2011 TOR Kenward Family Wines Tierra Roja Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

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.”

Oakville AVA is one of the two or three most prestigious appellations in the United States. Located in the heart of Napa Valley, its 5,000 vineyard acres produce some of the world’s most acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon, including such California “cult” Cabs as Screaming Eagle and Harlan Estate. Before those boutique producers rose to fame in the 1990s, Oakville was already renowned as home to Robert Mondavi, Opus One and Groth Vineyards, among others. Along with the famous wineries, there are premier vineyards in this AVA, including Martha’s Vineyard and To Kalon Vineyard. To Kalon was first planted in 1868 by H.W. Crabb, one of California’s first viticultural researchers, and he named the vineyard after the ancient Greek phrase for “most beautiful.” Though many grapes can be successfully grown in Oakville, Cabernet Sauvignon is king. Merlot and Chardonnay are also frequently planted. Oakville Cabs are prized for their richness, complexity and weight. Oakville was designated as an AVA in 1993.

One of the most widely grown grape varieties, it can be found in nearly every wine growing region. A cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a hardy vine that produces a full-bodied wine with high tannins and great aging potential.