Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 – No. 14 on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines

Philip Togni Vineyard, under the guidance of Winemaker Lisa Togni, presents a remarkable Cabernet Sauvignon that epitomizes elegance and age-worthiness. A Margaux-type blend dominated by 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by 15% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot, all sourced from the rugged slopes at 2,000 feet elevation on Spring Mountain, overlooking the majestic Napa Valley. The vines, boasting an impressive age range between 23 and 35 years, yield grapes of exceptional character and depth.

In the glass, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon displays a captivating deep ruby color that hints at its intensity and complexity. The aroma is an intricate dance of sweet bay leaf, enticing savory and menthol notes, intermingled with lively raspberry, red currant, and blackberry fruit flavors. The wine’s distinctive character arises from its skillful construction, which revolves around acidity and grippy, tar-laced tannins. This combination imparts a mouthwatering sensation on the long-lasting finish, leaving a memorable impression.

Wine Spectator awards this vintage an impressive 96 points, hailing it as a beautiful representation of the throwback style, and recommends waiting until 2025 to experience its full potential. Wine Advocate echoes this sentiment, bestowing 95 points and praising its classic Togni profile, marked by raspberry and cassis accented with hints of green olive and thyme. The palate, medium to full-bodied, is richly concentrated, shaped into a dense, streamlined form that unveils waves of dusty tannins, embellished by delicate notes of cedar and vanilla.

Vinous joins in with an outstanding score of 99 points, celebrating the wine’s elegance and restraint, showcasing bright acids, red-toned fruit, dried herbs, mint, and silky tannins. The aromatics are particularly enchanting, hinting at a promising evolution over time. Wilfred Wong, awarding an impressive 97 points, finds the wine inspiring, highlighted by red and blackcurrant flavors, a subtle touch of minerality, and an ideal balance of concentration without excess.

The Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is a wine to savor and contemplate, expressing the artistry of its winemaker and the terroir that nurtured it. An ideal companion to a well-aged cheddar, this wine invites moments of shared indulgence and thoughtful conversation, leaving an enduring impression on all fortunate enough to experience it. As it develops with age, its restrained power and finesse will undoubtedly be even more awe-inspiring, affirming its place as a true classic in the world of Cabernet Sauvignon.