TOR Kenward Melanson Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 - 750ml

97pts Jeb Dunnuck

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Melanson Vineyard comes from a great site on Pritchard Hill (it's just across from Colgin) and it's clearly a mountain Cabernet Sauvignon with its structure and tannins, but it nevertheless holds onto a remarkable sense of finesse and elegance. Cassis, iron, lavender, tapenade, and plenty of wild scrub brush-like notes define the aromatics, and it has polished yet building tannins and a seamless mouthfeel. As with all these releases from Tor, it's impeccably made and unquestionably offers pleasure even today, yet it will ideally be given 4 to 5 years of bottle age, and I'd be shocked if it didn't drink well for at least two decades.

96pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

From a high-altitude vineyard on Pritchard Hill that looks down on Colgin, Tor's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Melanson Vineyard features raspberry-ish aromas, plus darker notes of cassis and mocha. Full-bodied and concentrated without being overly weighty, this concentrated effort is framed by fine-grained tannins on the palate, wrapping up with a terrific, silky texture on the lingering finish.

Winemaker Notes

Early on, it was the consensus that this would be the best Melanson we’ve yet to produce. I am glad to see that it turned out that way after bottling. Our 2021 Melanson has an additional level of richness and a slightly higher level of black fruits over the typical red fruit spectrum that Pritchard Hill provides. An amazingly rich and seamless mid to back palate that shows its mountain terroir. This will be the longest-lived Melanson we have ever made, an homage to the majesty of Pritchard Hill. Deep, dark, and opulent. Brilliant wine.

We put Pritchard Hill in parentheses because it is not an official appellation, but many great wines claim and champion the name. It’s neighbor on this legendary hill is Colgin. Greg Melanson’s vineyard is very steep with rows running up and down the hill. Its rocky face looks down at Napa Valley’s floor. Higher elevation and afternoon breezes coming from the Pacific cool the vineyard in the warm afternoons. Ideal real estate for world class Cabernet. The mountain site is rugged, its Sobrante loam soil studded with volcanic rock.  At an average elevation of 1,200 feet, the vineyard sits above the fog line and benefits from maximum sun exposure all day.