Potential Wine of Vintage: 2007 Tor ToKalon Cab!

WINE TALK
1

I stopped by Blicker Pierce yesterday to try a few wines. Tor Kenward was there, as was Pam Starr and there were a few wines out to try. Tor brought his 2007 Tor ToKalon Cab, which had already been open for “a couple of days” according to Tor. It was a revelation. I’ve never had any of his ToKalons before, although I have liked his Cimarossa Cab when I have had them. But this was at another level. It was in no way a monster and in fact was quite classical-Napa in style. This is the second great ToKalon I have tried from 2007, the other being Realm’s. Although not cheap at $150, it is a very fair deal…heck, might even be a bargain for the quality. Simply amazing and a candidate for WOTV. If you want it, sign up for his mailing list. I think BP said they might get a little as well, although it has not been released yet.

2007 Tor “ToKalon” Cabernet $150
Deep ruby-purple. Medium-full body. That’s right, not full bodied. Tremendous red fruits, crushed rocks and a hint of spice. Covers every part of the mouth with voluptuous favors. 15.1% alcohol and not a trace of heat. A finish of nearly a minute. Great balance with a nice structure that has no sharp edges. No oxidation after being open two days. Drink now and over the next 20 years. Candidate for wine of the vintage, especially if you prefer balance and detail over extraction and power.
97pts

2

Ding. Great note. Thanks for adding another triple-digit target to my wine wish list. [swoon.gif]

3

So which one is it, “not cheap”, “fair deal” or “a bargain”? [whistle.gif]

4

$150.00 such a deal. It’s even less than your Seven Stones Roy.
Count me in. [shock.gif]

5

Roy…how many 2007’s have to tasted?

6

Haven’t tried the '07 yet but the '05 was one of, if not the best cab I had this year. Jeff’s got skills.

7

I have the 05 and the 06’s. Will definitely be buying the 07’s!

Will be interesting to see what the drinking window on the 07’s will be. Any ideas?

8

2007 will be the year with dozens of WOTV.
[stirthepothal.gif]

Bold statement, Roy. Best/easier to pick a WOTV in a bad year, no?
Let’s visit the WOTV topic in about 1 year. Lots of wine to taste between now and then–LOTS.

9

The 2006 Tor To Kalon was profoundly delicious. Far better than I had ever expected. Can’t wait for the 07. Thanks for the note, Roy.

10

Maybe 100. But these include many of the big boys.

The thing about this wine is that is is not black in color, nor full-bodied, but is loaded with structure and complexity and length. Some of the super-cults will be bigger and might get bigger scores (although I could see this getting 96-98 by RP easily- apparently he did try it) but I doubt if many of those monsters will get my vote for WOTV because this one pulled off greatness without the “so big it must be tasted to be believed” style. One reason is that it was Clone 6, a clone notorious for spicy red fruits and a lithe frame.

I know $150 ain’t cheap, but this one seems worth it to me.

11

Tor Kenward sources some seriously awesome fruit for his wines, but the guy never met an oak tree that he didn’t want to slaughter.