Color: Deep, rich garnet with hints of purple indicating its youthful vigor.
Nose: The bouquet is an intricate interplay of savory and sweet, showcasing umami and earthy mushroom alongside a whisper of eucalyptus. This is beautifully layered with the lush fruitiness of blackberry, chocolate-covered cherry, and blueberry pie, while a vein of graphite minerality adds depth. The aromatics are rounded out by warm baking spices — cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg — that hint at the wine's complex palate.
Palate:
- Flavor Profile: The palate is a cornucopia of dark fruit with plump dark plums and black currants at the forefront, evolving into a more nuanced blend of blueberry, dark chocolate, and a refreshing burst of spice-infused cherry. The savory undercurrent persists, lending a mature and profound character to the wine.
- Body of the Wine: Full-bodied, the wine possesses a stature that fills the palate, delivering a weight that is both substantial and plush.
- Tannin Structure: The tannins are profuse yet manage to be incredibly silky, contributing to a texture that is opulent without being overpowering. This silkiness belies the wine's youth and promises graceful aging.
- Sweetness levels: Dry, with the natural sweetness of ripe fruit creating a perception of roundness and harmony.
- Acidity levels: Well-integrated acidity underpins the structure, maintaining a fine balance that keeps the wine lively and ensures a long, enduring finish.
Food Pairings:
The robust character and complex palate of the TOR Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 make it an excellent companion to rich and savory dishes. Consider pairings such as:
- Braised short ribs with a reduction of the wine itself, emphasizing the deep fruit and earthy flavors.
- A classic ribeye steak, where the wine's tannin structure can counterbalance the richness of the meat.
- Mushroom risotto or a hearty mushroom stroganoff, which would complement the umami and earthy notes of the wine.
- Anise-flavored beef stew, echoing the tasting notes of Wilfred Wong and bringing out the wine’s spice profile.
- Grilled lamb chops with rosemary, matching the wine's herbal undertones with the savoriness of the lamb.

This seductive wine rolls up all the velvety appeal of Oakville Cabernet in a bottle that's comparatively affordable for what many consider Napa's best AVA for Cab. Plump dark plums, black currants, dark chocolate and cinnamon come to mind while savoring this full-bodied but gentle wine. Tannins are profuse but silky, so the wine is enjoyable already.

Bottled just one week before I tasted it, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville was showing rather well, with gentle floral and sage nuances set against a backdrop of rich loam and black cherries. Yes, it's still a bit tight, but this medium to full-bodied effort boasts silky tannins and a long finish. Don't overlook it because it isn't vineyard-designated.

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville is a powerful, burly wine. Black cherry, chocolate, spice, leather and menthol power through in this decidedly burly Oakville Cabernet. There's not a ton of finesse here, at least not yet. This still needs to come together. The 2021 is the first year that includes fruit from Tench.

The 2021 TOR Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon delivers nicely on the palate. TASTING NOTES: This wine shows aromas and flavors of slightly rustic notes, bright fruits, and savory spices. Enjoy it with an anise-flavored beef stew.