Philip Togni Estate 2010

Description

Wine Advocate #204 Dec 2012 Antonio Galloni 95+ Drink: 2020 – 2040 The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon impresses for its length and total class. Mocha, game, smoke, graphite and plums are all supported by veins of cool, insistent minerality. This isnt a blockbuster Cabernet, rather it is a wine that impresses for its finesse and precision. Sweet red cherries, mint, pencil shavings and violets are some of the notes that are layered into the super-refined finish. As always, Tognis Cabernet Sauvignon is distinguished for an extraordinary bouquet that recalls some of the great wines of the Medoc and the structure to age gracefully for years. It will be interesting to see if the 2010 blossoms in bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2040. Philip Togni, along with his wife Birgitta and daughter Lisa continue to turn out some of the most distinctive and age worthy Cabernet Sauvignons in Napa Valley. The wines are built on structure more than overt fruit, so they need a few years in bottle to come together, but when they do, they are spectacular. Sadly, this year there are no library releases, as Togni did not bottle his 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon and there isnt enough of the 1992 for a commercial release. Togni remains a benchmark, reference point producer for Napa Valley, with pricing that is incredibly consumer friendly. www.philiptognivineyard.com Importer(s): Philip Togni, (707) 963-3731, www.philiptognivineyard.com Wine Advocate #198 Dec 2011 Antonio Galloni (95-97+) Drink: 2020 – 2035 I tasted the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon from an approximate blend of barrels. The 2010 is a breathtaking, stunning wine of the very highest level. It boasts superb integration of fruit, acidity and structure. Blackberries, camphor, licorice and white flowers are some of the many nuances that flow from this dazzling Cabernet Sauvignon. All of the aromas and flavors build effortlessly to the savory, totally satisfying finish. Tognis 2010 is shaping up to be one of the wines of the vintage. It is a monumental, epic wine in the making. In 2010 the harvest took place between October 12-15. Because of the cold growing season, the crop was thinned significantly in order to allow for the fruit to ripen. Yields were down approximately 50%. What a great way to start this tasting! Anticipated maturity: 2020-2035. This is a breathtaking set of wines from Philip, Birgitta and Lisa Togni. Philip Togni hardly needs an introduction to lovers of fine Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Since his epic 1969 Cabernet Sauvignon at Chappellet, Togni has crafted a series of impeccable, breathtaking wines. It is amazing to consider that Tognis wines remain so reasonably priced when an endless number of new wineries with no track record seem to pop up every day with first releases well over $100 a bottle. The winery is very much a family affair, with Birgitta and, increasingly, Lisa Togni running the show. On an earlier visit this year I tasted the 1987, a wine that remains dazzling for its purity. From time to time Togni releases a small amount of wines from their library, usually at the 10th anniversary of an important vintage. I also tasted the 2008s, sleeper wines from an under-the-radar vintage that will thrill those who have the patience to cellar them. The Cabernet Sauvignon (here referred to as the Main Label) generally includes a dollop of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The estates Tanbark Hill is a second selection made from the barrels that dont go into the Cabernet Sauvignon. All of the wines see approximately 40% new oak from four different tonneliers. Readers who want to learn more about the 2011 harvest at Togni may want to take a look at my video interview with Philip and Lisa Togni on www.erobertparker.com www.philiptognivineyard.com Importer(s): Philip Togni, (707) 963-3731, www.philiptognivineyard.com