Benchmark Wines by
Philip Togni
The Winery
Philip Togni
Situated above the 2000 feet mark upon Spring Mountain overlooking Saint Helena, Philip Togni Vineyard first planted their vines in 1982. Their initial production in 1983 consisted of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc, and established their “Estate Bottled” concentration. Since then the three owners, Philip, Brigitta and daughter Lisa Togni have developed into crafting a Margaux inspired red blend balancing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The growing, pressing, bottling, storing and marketing of Philip Togni’s 2000 case production is entirely self-contained and all done on site. Their wines are certainly difficult to get a hold of as they are mainly sold by mailing lists. This is an accomplished winery focused on quality.
Tasting Notes
- WA95
- The 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. For those who don’t know, Togni has always made an uncompromising Cabernet meant for 20, 30, maybe even 40 or more years of cellaring. Gorgeously rich notes of black olives, black currants, graphite and wood smoke jump from the glass of this dense ruby/purple-colored, Medoc-styled 2003. At age ten, it displays a youthfulness similar to a 4- to 5-year-old wine. The finish is long, convincing and rich. It is reminiscent of a Spring Mountain version of a hybrid blend of St.-Julien and Pauillac. Unique to Napa and as distinctive as Philip Togni himself, it will benefit from another 4-5 years of cellaring and should last longer than your author. By the way, my cellar includes many vintages of Togni, and I rarely touch them before they hit 15 years of age.
- WS92
- Good medium ruby. Blackberry, cassis, roasted plum, chocolate, leather and some dusty earth on the nose; seems less dense than the 2004. Then juicy and penetrating on the palate, with flavors of wild mountain blackberry, blueberry and leather. Shows slightly edgy acids and considerable dusty tannins that are not quite as fine as those of the young 2004, but there's also a velvety texture to the middle palate. Togni noted that this wine is now typically about 82% cabernet sauvignon, with about 15% merlot, 2% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot added since the '99 vintage. Rating: 91-92 Points
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