We’re excited to announce that our (tiny) annual allocation of Philip Togni’s benchmark Cabernet Sauvignon has arrived. Many of you need no introduction to these wines because for more than 60 vintages in California, Philip Togni has been leading Napa’s camp of classically styled Cabernet producers. His beautifully balanced wines have become known for their ability to age for decades while maintaining poise, elegance and remarkable complexity.
The flagship Philip Togni Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is an age-worthy, classic style of California Cabernet that has decades of potential and shows unmistakable high-elevation, mountain character. The ‘Tanbark Hill’ is sourced from select vineyard blocks and meant to be enjoyed young, much in the style of a Bordeaux ‘2nd wine’.
“This is an irrefutable source of remarkable Cabernet Sauvignons that last 20-30+ years! Cabernet enthusiasts who have not yet discovered Philip Togni should be on a crusade for his wines, which will handsomely repay extended cellaring.” — Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
2019 ‘Tanbark Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Spring Mountain, Napa Valley
“The barest hint of bell pepper accents bold cassis fruit and notes of wild thyme on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is fairly open and generous, with enough suppleness to suggest only five years of cellaring will be necessary. Classically styled, it’s streamlined in shape and long on the finish, ending with mouthwatering acids and soft tannins.”
92+ pts Wine Advocate
Retail $149.95 / btl [6 btl/cs]
2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Spring Mountain, Napa Valley
“This is very much alive, sporting a wide array of sweet bay leaf, savory and menthol notes, along with zesty raspberry, red currant and blackberry fruit flavors. Built on acidity as much as grippy, tar-laced tannins, this leaves a mouthwatering feel on the long finish. A beautiful version of the throwback style. Best from 2025 through 2040.
96 pts Wine Spectator
Retail $309.95 / btl [6 btl/cs]
About Philip Togni Vineyard
A student of Emile Peynaud at the University of Bordeaux in the 1950s, Togni earned his Diplôme National d’Oenologie and worked at Château Lascombes. In 1959, Philip arrived in California following a stint in Chile. He worked at Mayacamas, Chalone (their first winemaker), Chappellet, and others through the 1960s & ‘70s. 1983 was the first vintage from Philip Togni Vineyard. The Vine has been honoured to offer our clients every vintage from 1997 onward.
By the early 1990s, Togni was focusing on his now iconic ‘Margaux-style’ Cabernet Sauvignon, crafted with varying proportions of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Together with his wife Birgitta and daughter Lisa, they produce exclusively estate-bottled wines from the 25-acre property where they have lived since 1975, 2000 feet above St. Helena on Spring Mountain.
