2017 TOR Chardonnay Torchiana Beresini Vineyard Hyde Clone

I was able to taste three different Chardonnay cuvées from this estate. First up, the 2017 Chardonnay Bersesini Vineyard comes from Carneros and is a medium to full-bodied, rich, textured effort that has plenty of brioche and buttery notes as well as beautiful purity of fruit. It picks up some interesting minerality with time in the glass, has good acidity, and is a layered, delicious Chardonnay that will keep for at least 4-6 years.

Tor's 2017 Chardonnay Cuvée Torchiana Beresini Vineyard offers lovely density and creaminess, not to mention tons of sheer appeal. Orange peel, butter, tangerine and lightly tropical overtones are nicely laced together in this pretty, textured Chardonnay. There is also a good bit of freshness, along with a hint of reduction, to play off the rich flavors and oily textures that come so naturally in Wente clone Chardonnays.

This wine comes from a single three-acre Chardonnay vineyard introduced to Tor Kenward by Larry Hyde in 2008. It belonged to one of Larry Hyde’s oldest friends in the Napa Valley, Steve Beresini, and was planted three decades ago with cuttings Larry gave Steve. This is now referred to as “Hyde Selection Wente Clone.” Today it produces a minuscule crop, usually between one and two tons per acre, with clusters half the normal size. Primary coopers are Saury and three-year dry aged Francois Frères. The 2017 Chardonnay Beresini Vineyard Cuvee Torchiana opens with lifted lemon, lime and mandarin scents with fresh pears and ginger plus croissant notions. The palate is big, rich, full-bodied, decadent, lively and hedonistic, with spicy and savory layers and a very, very long finish. 314 cases produced.