Instant Classic: 2016 Philip Togni Cabernet
Posted on: 01/16/19 6:46 PM
Before we begin let’s make it clear: the 2016 Togni will sell out.
This is a huge, huge vintage for California. “2016 is shaping up to be a fabulous vintage for Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon,” writes Antonio Galloni, “…trailing only 2013 as the finest vintage of the decade so far.” With its dazzling aromatic presence, finesse and depth, the 2016 Togni is one for the ages.
Still here?
You must be new to this. If that’s the case you should become deeply familiar with this address. For over six decades Philip Togni has produced a spellbinding collection of some California’s greatest red wines. When you open a well-aged bottle, chances are you about to have one of most complex glimpses into Cabernet that Napa can offer. The wines legendary longevity and extraordinary track record for profundity make Mr. Togni’s Cabernets some of the most consistent and sought after for New World collectors worldwide.
Located at a two thousand feet elevation near the top of Spring Mountain, the twenty-five acre estate only produces two thousand cases a year, the majority of which is allocated to their rabid email list. Mr. Togni, originally from Britain, learned his craft apprenticing under Emile Peynaud in Bordeaux. In the late 1950’s he arrived in Napa bringing with him the Old-World methods and applied them in making noteworthy wines for a series of employers, including the 1969 Chappellet which is now widely considered one of the best California wines ever produced. Philip, now in his early nineties, has passed the reins to his daughter, Lisa, who has successfully continued the estate’s stellar track record. Long time collectors will be relieved to learn the winemaking has not changed and remains essentially an extension of Philips 1950 education in Bordeaux. This is still ultimately age worthy Medoc (Togni’s model is Chateau Calon-Segur) dressed in California clothes.
With its striking depth, texture and aromatic intensity, 2016 Napa is shaping up to collector’s dream. Don’t miss this instant classic from Philip Togni.
2016 Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvignon
“A regal wine, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate has really shut down following its recent bottling, which is probably a very good thing for its long-term prospects, although it does make the wine harder to read. Today, the 2016 is dark, powerful and quite savory, with tremendous persistence and class to burn. Translucent, deep and exquisitely layered, the 2016 has a lot to offer. Dark red cherry, plum, wild herb, cedar, tobacco and smoke build as the 2016 starts to open up in the glass. This is a jewel of a wine from the Togni family.” 96 Points, Antonio Galloni
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