Paul J

9.2

375ml. Needed lots of air as the alcohol eventually blew off and the peaches, pears and Meyer lemons appeared. Nice depth and finish. — 12 days ago

with Brooke

Joe Flo

9.9

This will be a 10 in a few years. ❤️🍷 — 2 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

If you like dark, sweet tarriness, dry herb buffet, round meaty, not overdone tannins, you will love this 2013 Tor Howell Mountain.

This 2013 Tor has just started its drinking window. It is really good but better things lie ahead in 5-8 years.

Dark, meaty, heavy, round tannins. Black currants, blackberries, black raspberries, black plum skin, plum, raspberries, sweet dark chocolate baking bar, mocha, caramel, black tea, dry herbs for days, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon stick, vanillin, dry top soil, limestone, volcanic minerals, dry river stone, dry clay, twig with raindrops, iron pan, touch of iodine, dark, withering flowers, lavender & violets, very nice round acidity and a well textured, tensioned, structured, balanced but still shows braun, elegant, polished finish that lasts for days and falls on clays, earth & spice.

Photos of my Pebble Beach Food & Wine tasting with Tor & Andy Beckstoffer. — 3 months ago

Ethan Karas

9.5

Highlight from Tor tasting night — 10 days ago

with Joe

Norman

9.4

I think it was good but becoming a believer in glasses making a difference. The glass here at a restaurant just didn’t allow it to shine imho. I think this could rate higher. — a month ago

Ericsson

9.5

Yes. Another Napa Cab over delivering. Cheers. — 5 months ago

Ron R

9.4

Roasted pineapple on the nose and mid palate. Pears are also evident in the mix.
Butterscotch notes combine with bold citrus notes. Relaxed acid makes this a huge knee-trembler. Wifey loves it, as do I! — a month ago

with Anne-marie

Freddy R. Troya

9.7

A commanding expression of Pritchard Hill fruit, this 2019 Melanson Cab is Napa power in its most refined form. The nose is intensely perfumed, black cherry, cassis, mahogany, dried herbs, and a touch of licorice and forest floor.

The palate follows through with depth and authority: concentrated dark fruit, cocoa powder, tobacco, and mulberry wrapped in firm but polished tannins. Dense, dry, and structured, with a long, resonant finish.

This is a wine that demands patience, decant at least two hours. Built to go the distance. 🔥🍷 — 3 months ago

Charlie Tapp

9.4

Dark fruit, leather and black licorice. — 5 months ago

Somm 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. — a year ago