Palisades Vineyard Old Vine Petite Syrah
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Typically best enjoyed 8–20 years from the vintage release, as its powerful tannins require time to soften and integrate.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
Barbecued beef brisket, slow-roasted lamb shanks, mature blue cheese
✨ wine.spec_sheet
Tucked away at the base of the dramatic volcanic cliffs in Calistoga, the historic Palisades Vineyard is home to some of Napa Valley's most legendary old-vine Petite Sirah. Originally planted in the early 20th century, these ancient, head-trained, and dry-farmed vines dig deep into the gravelly loam soils, yielding tiny, intensely concentrated berries. Under the stewardship of TOR, this fruit is transformed into a monumental red wine that pays homage to California's rich viticultural heritage. The winemaking philosophy embraces minimal intervention, utilizing native yeasts and aging in French oak to preserve the vineyard's signature ink-like color, muscular structure, and profound depth of dark fruit, cocoa, and exotic spices.
🍾 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