2009 TOR Kenward Family Wines ROCK Hommage Allan Syrah

TOR Kenward Family Wines was founded by Tor Kenward, a senior Beringer Vineyards executive who retired in 2001 from Beringer and started his winery dedicated to Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux blends and Chardonnay. Tor Kenward, the man, is rooted in California and the best of its winemaking. His unusual first name was given to him by his artistic parents, who admired the distinguished California poet Robinson Jeffers, who named his Carmel home Torhouse, meaning “home on a lofty pinnacle.” Kenward himself was mentored by some of the leading lights of 20th century California winemaking, including Robert Mondavi, André Tchelistcheff, and Warren Winiarski. Jeff Ames is today the estate’s winemaker. Ames learned winemaking from Napa winemaking guru Thomas Brown and from stints at Schrader, Maybach and Outpost. Tor Kenward wines win high praise from reviewers. Robert M. Parker Jr. has complimented the estate for its “dazzling…fabulous wines…Tor Kenward is using his vast experience in the wine industry and impressive palate to find exceptional terroirs and produce fascinating wines that merit serious attention.”

Sonoma County is not an AVA, but it is a commonly used informal designation for wines made outside of more specific AVAs within Sonoma, which is a large wine producing region just west of Napa Valley. Though Sonoma is often overshadowed by its glamorous neighbor Napa Valley, it has a long history of wine production. The area specialized in jug wine until the mid-20th century, when Sonoma producers took a cue from Napa and started improving quality. Unlike Napa, where Cabernet Sauvignon is king, Sonoma specialized in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel, though excellent Cabs are produced too. There are at present 16 AVAs within Sonoma County, and, like much of the West Coast of the United States, new AVAs are created in Sonoma County with regularity. Some Sonoma appellations, such as the Russian River Valley, are renowned for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

This grape is grown in milder climates and produces a medium-to full-bodied wine. It is also known as Shiraz, but should not be confused with Petit Sirah, which was developed by crossing Syrah with Peloursin.