Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

If you like dark, sweet tarriness, dry herb buffet, round meaty, not overdone tannins, you will love this 2013 Tor Howell Mountain.

This 2013 Tor has just started its drinking window. It is really good but better things lie ahead in 5-8 years.

Dark, meaty, heavy, round tannins. Black currants, blackberries, black raspberries, black plum skin, plum, raspberries, sweet dark chocolate baking bar, mocha, caramel, black tea, dry herbs for days, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon stick, vanillin, dry top soil, limestone, volcanic minerals, dry river stone, dry clay, twig with raindrops, iron pan, touch of iodine, dark, withering flowers, lavender & violets, very nice round acidity and a well textured, tensioned, structured, balanced but still shows braun, elegant, polished finish that lasts for days and falls on clays, earth & spice.

Photos of my Pebble Beach Food & Wine tasting with Tor & Andy Beckstoffer. — 6 days ago

Tom Kobylarz

9.1

Kind of disappointed...maybe my expectations were too high? Not as complex and layered as I would have hoped for. — 2 months ago

Joe Flo

9.7

Fabulous 🍷 — 2 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.7

A commanding expression of Pritchard Hill fruit, this 2019 Melanson Cab is Napa power in its most refined form. The nose is intensely perfumed, black cherry, cassis, mahogany, dried herbs, and a touch of licorice and forest floor.

The palate follows through with depth and authority: concentrated dark fruit, cocoa powder, tobacco, and mulberry wrapped in firm but polished tannins. Dense, dry, and structured, with a long, resonant finish.

This is a wine that demands patience, decant at least two hours. Built to go the distance. 🔥🍷 — 7 hours ago

Charlie Tapp

9.4

Dark fruit, leather and black licorice. — 3 months ago

Frank Soldano

9.3

Rich honey color. Long lasting legs. Light bouquet with hints of oak and slightly floral. Smooth flavors. Light taste with a slightly sweet finish. Light and smooth. — 2 months ago

JKT

9.2

An excellent well aged mellowed complex ripe cherry notes. Willie finished bottle! — a month ago

Jerry Raphael

9.1

Excellent — 24 days ago

Craig Becraft

9.3

First granny Smith apple with a lemon lime spritzer then a tart grapefruit with a mouth watering acidic, tongue, zinging finish well in between some nuances of herbs and greens just begging for another sip — 2 months ago

Karita Troberg

9.1

Seems very light but actually taste is rich and the wine has strong tannins. Surprisingly mature smell. — 5 months ago