2016 TOR Kenward Family Wines Beresini Vineyard Cuvee Torchiana Chardonnay

TOR Kenward Family Wines was founded by Tor Kenward, a senior Beringer Vineyards executive who retired in 2001 from Beringer and started his winery dedicated to Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux blends and Chardonnay. Tor Kenward, the man, is rooted in California and the best of its winemaking. His unusual first name was given to him by his artistic parents, who admired the distinguished California poet Robinson Jeffers, who named his Carmel home Torhouse, meaning “home on a lofty pinnacle.” Kenward himself was mentored by some of the leading lights of 20th century California winemaking, including Robert Mondavi, André Tchelistcheff, and Warren Winiarski. Jeff Ames is today the estate’s winemaker. Ames learned winemaking from Napa winemaking guru Thomas Brown and from stints at Schrader, Maybach and Outpost. Tor Kenward wines win high praise from reviewers. Robert M. Parker Jr. has complimented the estate for its “dazzling…fabulous wines…Tor Kenward is using his vast experience in the wine industry and impressive palate to find exceptional terroirs and produce fascinating wines that merit serious attention.”

Carneros AVA, also known as Los Carneros, is at the southern end of the Napa and Sonoma Valleys at the top of the San Francisco Bay. The 8,000 vineyard acres are mostly planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, both of which thrive in the district’s cool, marine climate. Carneros became an AVA in 1983 and it has attracted foreign wine companies along with local producers. It has been especially appealing to European producers of sparkling wines including the giant Spanish cava producers Codorniu and Frexinet, and the French Champagne house Taittinger. Codorniu in Carneros is called Artesa, and Frexinet’s Carneros brand is Gloria Ferrer. Taittinger calls its Carneros winery Domaine Carneros. The European producers also make still wines in Carneros.

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.