David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.6

It’s a night of consecutive first year decades, 90 & 80. Enjoyed in reverse order.

I had an 80 from Andy Beckstoffer’s cellar at Pebble Beach Food & Wine in April 24 with Andy & Tor Kenward. This library bottle I bought recently at K&L is better than what I had a Pebble. Just look at the cork!

Glorious mouth entry. Juicy, perfect, ripe fruit that shows age but it is not missing a step. Blackberries, black raspberries, dark, juicy, poached strawberries, baked rhubarb mid, dark cherries, candied raspberries to raspberry pudding. Just a touch of v/a, chocolate pudding/fudge, mocha, caramel, light, soft, sun tea, softened baking spices- cinnamon, clove, nutmeg & vanillin, some fresh & dry herbs, dark, rich soils with dry leaves, evolved, dark spices w/ some palate heat, dry top soil, limestone powder, hint of mint, with & fresh florals that are; dark, red, blue & liquid violets and lavender sprinkled in, perfect acidity and perfectly balanced, softly tensioned, knitted and a refined finish that lasts two-minutes.

This bottle is in a perfect spot & as good as it gets. Perfectly stored. It has another 5 years. Liquid, velvety tannins. One of the more perfect bottles I’ve had in 5-10 years.

Photos of, my tasting at Pebble Beach Food & Wine. The retail wine shop at Spanish Bay, Andy Beckstoffer & Tor Kenward. — 3 months ago

Al Shikoh

9.7

Deep ruby color. Terrific nose of dark chocolate and crème de cassis liqueur. Big, juicy, textured, full throttle Cabernet from one of my favorite vineyards finishing with ripe, sweet tannins. — 8 years ago

with Drew and Kelly

Jay Eagan

9.1

This would have been much better if I didn’t have the Tor Chardonnay first. Very subtle lichee and stone which was excellent. — 5 years ago

with Kristine

Al Shikoh

9.4

Deep ruby red. Lovely nose of dark chocolate and crème de cassis liqueur. Concentrated, juicy To-Kalon fruit on the palate with ripe, sweet tannins. — 8 years ago

with Lisa and Kelly

Brian Duffy

9.8

Truly a tour de force, simply terrific! — 10 years ago

Jamie Haebich

9.1

Wine with Tor, Michael, Tim and Tayla. Good for Sunday Lunch. — 8 years ago

Carl Fischer

9.8

This is how we pre-game! Wow! Amazing. May be my favorite Tor yet. The nose is literally intoxicating - I imagine it's similar to the smell in the air when walking down a gravel path lined with blackberry bushes. This is super rich and dense - blackberry, raspberry, creme de cassis and a touch of brown sugar on the palate with a distinct minerality. Smooth tannins balanced with nice acidity. Long finish - L-O-N-G. I love Tierra Roja Cab but what Jeff Ames and @Tor Kenward do with this vineyard is just superb. — 8 years ago

Jon Russell

10

@l'atelier de Joel Robuchon — 10 years ago