TOR Wines Fulldraw Vineyard 'Chasing Windmills' Grenache Blend, Paso Robles, California

The 2019 TOR Wines Fulldraw Vineyard 'Chasing Windmills' Grenache Blend exemplifies the passion and dedication poured into discovering the finest expressions of Rhone varietals in California. Sourced from the Fulldraw Vineyard in the Templeton Gap of Paso Robles, this blend of Syrah and Grenache harnesses the vineyard's unique limestone-rich soils, steep slopes, and cooling maritime influences to produce a wine of incredible depth, balance, and complexity. Aged with precision, this bottling captures the richness of the 2019 vintage while remaining elegant and age-worthy.

Product Details

• ABV: 14.5%
• Blend: 59% Syrah, 41% Grenache
• Vineyard: Fulldraw Vineyard, West Paso Robles, Templeton Gap
  • Grenache Clone: Clone 136 on 420A rootstock, north-facing 20-degree slope
  • Syrah Clone: Alban Clone on 1103P rootstock from Blocks 10A (35-degree north-facing slope) and 9D (east-facing gradual slope)
• Soil: High in limestone (Lopez-Calodo)
• Aging: Syrah aged 16 months in 50–60% new French oak (Francois Freres, Seguin, and Ermitage barrels); Grenache aged with ~30% new French oak
• Winemaking: Approximately 60% whole-cluster fermentation for Grenache

Sensory Description
This wine greets the senses with a luxurious bouquet of blueberries, blackberries, and black currants, intertwined with aromatic hints of cumin, mint, and cedar. The palate offers plush and seamless richness, with a velvety mid-palate that brims with dense, concentrated dark fruit flavors. A subtle spiciness and touch of herbal lift provide balance and complexity, leading to a polished and enduring finish. Approachable now with some decanting, this Grenache blend will continue to develop beautifully over the coming years.

Producer's Background
Tor Kenward’s quest to master Rhone varietals in California led him to the Fulldraw Vineyard, where he found a kindred spirit in Connor McMahon. McMahon's dedication to crafting world-class Rhone wines on his limestone-laden, steep-sloped vineyard has made Fulldraw a premier site for Grenache and Syrah. This collaboration embodies a shared vision of creating terroir-driven wines that reflect both the character of the land and the passion of their makers.

Serving Suggestions
To fully enjoy this wine's depth and complexity, serve at approximately 60–65°F after decanting for an hour. Its bold yet polished profile pairs wonderfully with hearty dishes such as lamb stew, braised short ribs, or grilled sausages with herbed couscous. For vegetarian options, consider roasted eggplant with harissa or wild mushroom ragout. With its combination of structure and finesse, this wine will enhance any meal while aging gracefully in the cellar for several years.