Tor Kenward spent 27 years as a senior executive with Beringer Vineyards working in winemaking and marketing, helping to build a wine company known to collectors worldwide for its outstanding Reserve and single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons. He retired in 2001, and along with his wife Susan, started Tor Kenward Family Wines, a small wine company based on single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons and Chardonnays.
"For three decades I made a least one barrel of wine each vintage from Beringer's best vineyard sites," recalls Tor Kenward. "I had great mentors, Ed Sbragia and Bob Steinhauer, encouraging me to make wine and grow grapes. We had different approaches, but shared the same passion: great wine, and how to make it. We tasted together, traveled together to Europe to learn more, and shared the secrets we unearthed along the journey."
"I walked every corner of Napa and Sonoma those three decades, an avid student of what makes a great vineyard. Luckily, I am working today with people whom I consider to be extraordinary growers dedicated to growing the highest quality grapes," explains Tor. "We farm these special vineyard sites by acre-by-acre -- meaning we work together to achieve the best possible grapes regardless of cost."
Wines available from Tor Kenward:
2008 Tor Kenward 'Hommage Allan' - $49.90
"Tor is a huge fan of Rhone wines and has had impressive success producing a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah. The 2008 Homage Alan from the Judge Vineyard in Bennett Valley exhibits peppery, meaty characteristics intermixed with lavender, Provencal herbs, sweet kirsch and black currants. This medium to full-bodied red should be consumed over the next 3-4 years. 90 points"
- Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #192
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2008 Mast Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon - $84.90
"The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Mast Vineyard possesses abundant aromas of black currants, cedar, licorice and roasted herbs, deep, medium to full-bodied power, supple tannins, loads of fruit and a dense, complete, upfront, delicious personality. This beauty can be enjoyed now and over the next 10-15+ years. It is easily the most forward of Kenward’s 2008 Cabernets. 92 points" - Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #192
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2008 To Kalon Vineyard 'C6' - $154.90
"The brilliant 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard Clone 6 again reveals the first-growth-like nobility and complexity of this phenomenal site in Oakville. Subtle toast/barrique aromas intermixed with creme de cassis, licorice, incense and camphor are followed by a wine of tremendous intensity, full-bodied power, silky tannins and a long, rich, concentrated finish. Already approachable, it will be even better in 5-6 years and last for two decades or more. 95 points"
- Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #192
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2008 To Kalon Vineyard 'C337' Cabernet Sauvignon - $154.90
"The same can be said for the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard Clone 337. (This clonal study being conducted by Tor Kenward reminds me of what Carol and Fred Schrader are doing with their various offerings from the Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard that are based on different parcel and clone selections.). Slightly better but with a character similar to the Clone 6, the Clone 337 offers abundant aromas of cassis, licorice, forest floor and toasty oak. Full-bodied with a multidimensional personality as well as tremendous texture and length, it should drink well for 20+ years. 96 points" - Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #192
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2008 To Kalon Vineyard 'C4' - $374.80 for 1.5L
"The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard Clone 4 is available only in magnum. It ratchets up everything found in the other two To-Kalon offerings revealing more perfume, cassis, body and finish. The result is an impressive wine that from magnum should last 30+ years. 96+ points"
- Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #192Buy
*Prices and availability subject to change without notice.