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. — 2 days ago

John W

9.6

Tawny coloration with the slightest bit of transparency. On the nose, cherry, currants, plum, forest floor, sweet tobacco and florals. On the palate, full body, cherry, plum, spice, leather, sweet tobacco, earth/dust/minerals, tannins strong and chewy. Long finish of chocolate and sweet berry. Layered and complex wine. — 2 months ago

Ericsson

9.5

Yes. Another Napa Cab over delivering. Cheers. — 3 months ago

Andrew Belzer

9.5

Dusty cherry, strawberry, leather, and tobacco on the finish. Still zippy acid after 19 years! — 19 days ago

Per-Olof Ekstrand

9.0

Very tasty Barbera with some tanins, but not overwhelming. Had it with pasta and this worked very well. Usually not a big fan of Barbera, but this one stands out. — a month ago

Ron Siegel

9.3

Another great btl that was consistent with my prior notes — 2 months ago

Joe Flo

9.7

Fabulous 🍷 — 2 months ago

Gage Orion

9.0

A fantastic bottle of Brunello we had in Florence. Deep red and full bodied. Great depths of flavor, cherry, vanilla, tobacco, and lightly floral. — a month 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