TOR Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Vaca Ridge Vineyard Napa Valley 2021

"The best value in the Tor lineup—at least for the moment—is the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Vaca Ridge Vineyard…” –Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, 95+ Points 

They were talking about the original retail price of $250, by the way. We have it for under $115 (lowest price anywhere), which is an absolute slam dunk in the world of highly pedigreed, high-scoring, single-vineyard Napa Cabs. Not to mention the outstanding vintage of 2021 AND free shipping on just one bottle! Whew. Let the surge of adrenaline crash over you… then sprint to the cart.

Tor Kenward came to Napa Valley in 1975, when the modern winery boom was just in its infancy. He spent 27 years at Beringer Vineyards helping to build the brand’s reputation before “retiring” to start his own project with his wife Susan in 2001. Working with some of Napa’s most prestigious and historic small-block vineyard sites, TOR Wines produces artwork in the bottle: small-quantity, single-vineyard, minimal intervention Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay that happen to have earned multiple 100-point scores through the years.

This outstanding 2021 vintage Vaca Ridge Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon grows on rocky soils that overlook the valley from the hills above Rutherford to the west and Lake Hennessey to the east. The north-facing vines are planted on St. George rootstock atop stony crests with Basalt soils, and this new vineyard has been highly anticipated by industry vets for some time. It’s the first vintage for TOR to source fruit from here, and it’s clear it won’t be their last. Balanced with a healthy dose of 25% Cabernet Franc, the final wine is gorgeously full-throttle, effortlessly balanced, and elegantly structured.

Piles and piles of red and black berries and cherries come first, then graphite, muddled dried herbs, black licorice, dusty wildflowers, unsweetened cacao, river stones, and the best shot of espresso you’ve ever tasted. A swift kick of mint carries lift through the endless finish, and velvet-soft tannins bring an air of delicacy. A really, remarkably well-done wine that oozes craftsmanship. Sure, one bottle gets you free shipping, but please, close your Lululemon cart (unless that’s just me?) and order one or two more for your own sake.

FOOD PAIRINGS: Steak, burger, blah blah blah. We all know great Cab is fantastic with some good beef. But sometimes I want something more surprising, ya know? This chicken mole negro delivers chocolatey spice and deep richness that will allow you to practically melt into your glass of wine.