2012 TOR Cabernet Sauvignon Tierra Roja

Dark red-ruby. Wild, highly nuanced nose throws off scents of raspberry, musky black olive, wild herbs, iron and dusty stone, all lifted by a floral topnote. Very ripe, dense and sweet, offering terrific depth and thickness without any heaviness. The fruits run more to red than black, with brown spices providing another aromatic element in the mouth. Finishes very long and sweet, with superb ripe, broad tannins. Outstanding potential.

Beautifully expressive and layered, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Tierra Roja Vineyard is resonant and floral, with terrific density and power. This is another 2012 that remains primary and not fully expressive. Today, it is the wine's silkiness that impresses above all else. It will be interesting to see where the 2012 goes over the coming year.

Tor Kenward's 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Tierra Roja is a classic wine from the eastern side of Oakville. Sweet red cherry, cinnamon, leather, mocha and cedar lend quite a bit of aromatic nuance and complexity to this fruit-forward, mid-weight Cabernet Sauvignon. All the elements are so nicely balanced. The 2012 has enough freshness to drink well for another handful of years, maybe more.