2019 Tor Wines Melanson Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, USA
$285.99 USD
Winemaker Notes
As has been the case every year since 2013 when TOR started in this amazing site on Pritchard Hill, there is no mistaking Melanson in the line up of TOR Cabernets. There is always a more red fruited/brite side to Melanson as opposed to their West side Oakville Cabernets that are mostly black fruits. The dark fruit profile of 2019 makes this one of the darker Melanson we have ever made yet it still retains the intense mountain driven character that have made this a marquee site on Pritchard Hill.
Press
Rated 98 Points Vinous,
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Melanson Vineyard is a total stunner. Silky yet potent, with tremendous depth, the Melanson captures all the best this site had to give in 2018. Savory herb, leather, spice, rose petal, tobacco...
Rated 97 Points James Suckling
The dark fruit and conifer are impressive and include blackcurrant and black cherry. Wet earth and black mushroom, too. It’s full-bodied with chewy tannins and intense fruit. Yet, the tannins are chewy and powerful. Very...
Rated 95 Points Jeb Dunnuck
(95+ points) From a rock site on Pritchard Hill, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Melanson Vineyard has a killer bouquet of crushed stone, new leather, flowery incense, blackberries, and blackcurrants. Already complex and...
Rated 95 Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Greg Melanson’s vineyard on Pritchard Hill is very steep, with rows running up and down the hill directly across from Colgin Winery. Beyond Colgin, its rocky face looks down at Napa Valley’s floor. The deep garnet-purple colored 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Melanson Vineyard is a little broody to begin, needing a good amount of swirling to reveal notes of chocolate-covered cherries, crème de cassis, molten licorice and preserved plums with hints of espresso, sautéed herbs and crushed rocks. The medium to full-bodied palate is packed with taut, muscular black fruit and supported by a firm foundation of grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing on a lingering ferrous note.