96pts International Wine Review

The 2021 is the the first vintage Tor has produced a Cabernet Sauvignon from the Vaca Ridge Vineyard. Vaca Ridge is a new, highly anticipated vineyard, that sits on stone ridges and overlooks Napa Valley and Lake Hennessey. The wine itself is fantastic, as it exudes sheer class and finesse from the very first sip. It begins with gorgeous aromatics of ripe cherries, cassis and hints of blueberries that are accented by graphite, licorice, flowers, with hints of sage and crushed mint. This full-bodied Cabernet unfolds beautifully on the palate with a symphony of concentrated flavors. The tannins are structured and impeccably integrated, providing a wonderful velvety texture that lingers, while ta beautiful touch of underlying acidity keeps it well-balanced and provides a sense of freshness and lift through the finish. The 2021 Vaca Ridge Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is fantastic, and a testament to the winemaking craftsmanship at Tor, as well as the potential of this new vineyard site.

95pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

From Bettinelli's Upper Ranch, located between Silverado Trail and Lake Hennessey, the 2021 Proprietary Red Wine Vaca Ridge is a blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon and 31% Cabernet Franc. Packed with cassis and blackberry fruit, this is bold, intense stuff, full-bodied, velvety and long on the finish.

94pts James Suckling

Blackberries and black cherries with black currants. Cedar undertones. Touch of wood. Medium to full body, with juicy fruit and creamy fine tannins that show lovely length. A white pepper and slate undertone. Minerally. New bottling from here. Drink in 2025 and beyond.

Winemaker Notes

The 2021 Vaca Ridge Cabernet is a fascinating combination of profiles. It has the cooler, more firm tannin and acid style of the west Rutherford hillside in combination with the warmer, more red fruit dominated style of the eastern Oakville hillside. This is loaded with bittersweet chocolate, Texas brisket, and a touch of wet graphite on the finish. This is the wine to be savored with food, preferably red meats or maybe very hearty Italian meat based dishes.