TOR Chardonnay Cuvée Torchiana 2010 ( 92 Points Wine Spectator)

Intense and vibrant, with complex white peach, honeysuckle and nectarine flavors, framed by toasty, cedary oak that takes on a butterscotch edge. Slow to unfold. Needs time. Best from 2013 through 2021. 175 cases made. —J.L. 92 points

Cuvée Torchiana, 2010

Blend: 100% Hyde selection Wente Clone Chardonnay Production: 175 cases Release date: February 2012 Vintage 2010 is like 2009 in that it produced wines of great intensity, nerve, and character, but it did so in a very different way. Both vintages were cool ones with long hang time but 2009 started earlier and ended earlier. In 2010, spring was wet and late. Bud break was late, veraison was late, harvest was late, but thankfully September gave us ideal weather to bring our fruit in from (Hudson, Durell, Beresini) in superb shape. August was marked by a significant heat blast that presented another twist. We had to thin in the field, removing any grapes affected, and then we had to thin again at the winery. In the end, easily one of our best Chardonnay vintages - a small but high quality crop Vineyards Torchiana is my mother’s maiden name. Torki, as we called her, was very lovely, very talented painter and actress, who encouraged all of us young Kenwards to be creative, and listen to our muse. This is my homage to her. In 2010 the wine came from a single vineyard Larry Hyde introduced to me in 2008. It belonged to one of his oldest friends in the Napa Valley, Steve Beresini, and was planted nearly three decades ago with cuttings Larry gave Steve. We call this plant material – Hyde selection Wente clone. Today it produces a minuscule crop, usually between a ton to two tons an acre. Winemaking These Chardonnays were all made in a very traditional Burgundian fashion. What does that mean? For our Chardonnays we use native yeasts for primary and malolactic fermentations, we do not fine or filter the wines. We work hard to bring the most honest and truest expressions of the vineyard to you, with the least amount of additions or subtractions. Winemaker’s Tasting Notes The nose on the 2010 Torchiana Chardonnay follows the traits set by the '05, '08 and '09. This is not a small wine - this is loaded with tropical fruits, lavender honey and a touch of peaches. On the palate this is rich and long. There is almost a red wine like density to the entry and mid palate that shows lemon zest, honeysuckle, sweet pears and quince. This is a California Chardonnay lovers Chardonnay - big, rich and bold but still wonderfully balanced with acidity and brightness.