TOR Wines 'Vine Hill Ranch' Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, USA

The 2021 TOR Wines 'Vine Hill Ranch' Cabernet Sauvignon highlights the remarkable character of one of Oakville’s most storied vineyards, meticulously tended by the Phillips family for over three generations. Sourced from three exceptional blocks—3, 4, and 7—this co-fermented Cabernet Sauvignon showcases the unique attributes of the cooler southern Oakville AVA, emphasizing grace, balance, and a seamless interplay of fruit and structure. Crafted with precision and aged to perfection, it stands as a testament to the collaboration between vineyard and winery.

Product Details

• Alcohol ABV: 15.1%
• Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Barrel Aging: 20 months in 80% new French oak (Taransaud and Sylvain)
• Production Style: Basket-pressed; bottled unfined and unfiltered

Sensory Description
The 2021 Vine Hill Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon opens with a captivating nose of ripe red cherries, wild blueberries, and blackcurrants, underscored by notes of crushed rocks, cedar, and warm baking spices. The palate delivers a harmonious mix of red, blue, and black fruits, showcasing the vineyard’s signature cooler climate elegance. A rounded mid-palate of silky tannins and dense fruit leads to a long, savory finish with lingering hints of earth, graphite, and finely integrated oak. The result is a wine of remarkable depth, freshness, and finesse that continues to unfold with every sip.

Critical Acclaim

• Jancis Robinson: 17.5/20 (Tasted September 2024; Drink 2025–2035)
• Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate: 97 points (Tasted June 2023; Drink 2025–2040)

Producer's Background
Vine Hill Ranch has been a cornerstone of TOR Wines’ portfolio for decades, embodying the Phillips family’s deep-rooted commitment to sustainable viticulture and their land’s exceptional potential. Tor Kenward and winemaker Jeff Ames have developed a profound understanding of this vineyard, carefully selecting blocks that consistently yield fruit of world-class quality. The co-ferment of blocks 3, 4, and 7 in the 2021 vintage represents their shared philosophy of letting the vineyard shine, with minimal intervention and a focus on preserving the wine’s natural complexity.

Vintage Notes
The 2021 growing season began with nearly eight inches of winter rainfall, replenishing groundwater and supporting healthy vine development. A dry, steady summer followed, producing small, uniformly ripened clusters with a high skin-to-juice ratio—ideal for crafting structured, concentrated wines. In the barrel, the wine evolved steadily over 20 months, gaining complexity and depth. By all accounts, 2021 is considered a standout vintage in Napa Valley, celebrated for its balance and age-worthiness.

Serving Suggestions
Serve this exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon slightly cool, at 60–65°F, to highlight its layered complexity. Its vibrant acidity and savory depth make it a perfect pairing for richly marbled cuts of steak, such as ribeye or New York strip, or classic accompaniments like roasted root vegetables or truffle-infused mashed potatoes. With proper cellaring, this wine will continue to evolve beautifully over the next two decades, making it an ideal candidate for both near-term enjoyment and long-term aging.