Hudson Vineyard Chardonnay
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Typically best enjoyed 3–10 years from the vintage release.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
Roasted chicken, seared scallops, creamy mushroom risotto
✨ wine.spec_sheet
The TOR Hudson Vineyard Chardonnay is a masterclass in Carneros terroir, sourced from the legendary estate of Lee Hudson. Nestled on the gentle, rolling hills of the Napa portion of the Carneros highway, this vineyard is cooled by maritime breezes from the San Pablo Bay, allowing for a long, slow growing season. Tor Kenward and winemaker Jeff Ames select specific blocks planted to heritage Wente clones, prized for producing small, concentrated berries with thick skins. The winemaking process respects the fruit's natural intensity, utilizing native yeast fermentation in French oak barrels, followed by regular lees stirring (battonage) to build a luscious, creamy texture. The result is a Chardonnay of remarkable depth, balancing rich tropical fruit and toasted brioche notes with a vibrant, saline minerality that is characteristic of the Hudson Vineyard's clay-loam soils.
🍾 wine.about_producer
Founded in 2001 by Napa Valley veteran Tor Kenward and his wife Susan, TOR Kenward Family Wines is a boutique estate dedicated to crafting small-lot, single-vineyard wines that express the singular terroirs of Napa Valley. Drawing on Kenward's nearly three decades of experience at Beringer, the winery sources fruit from legendary sites, most notably the historic Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard in Oakville. The winemaking philosophy, guided by winemaker Jeff Ames, emphasizes minimal intervention, utilizing native yeast fermentations, and bottling without fining or filtration. TOR is highly celebrated for its powerful, complex Cabernet Sauvignons and expressive Syrahs that showcase the pinnacle of California winemaking. Address: 1507 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574, USA Website: https://torwines.com