Philip Togni is one of Napa Valley's most storied winemakers, a career that traces back to training under the legendary French oenologist Émile Peynaud and helping craft the 1956 vintage at Château Lascombes in Bordeaux. After arriving in California he went on to make wine at Chappellet, Mayacamas, Inglenook, and Chalone, and his 1969 Chappellet Cabernet is still regularly cited as one of the greatest Cabernets ever made in the United States. In 1981, he and his wife Birgitta planted their own ten-acre vineyard high on Spring Mountain, releasing their first vintage in 1983. Now in his late 90s, Togni has passed day-to-day winemaking duties to his daughter Lisa, who continues to farm the estate organically and make the wine in the same uncompromising style her father established.
The 2023 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon comes entirely from that same ten-acre hillside vineyard, planted on volcanic, sandy loam soil more than 2,000 feet up Spring Mountain. The blend follows Togni's classic formula, 82% Cabernet Sauvignon rounded out with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and a touch of Petit Verdot, aged in French oak with about 40% new barrels. The result is full-bodied and seamlessly balanced, with firm, beautifully integrated tannins and real soil signature, dark currant and black cherry fruit layered over a savory, mineral-driven structure built for the long haul.
Why You'll Love It
- From one of Napa Valley's most legendary and understated winemakers, whose 1969 Chappellet Cabernet is still regarded as one of the greatest ever made in the US
- Grown on the Togni family's own ten-acre estate vineyard high on Spring Mountain, farmed organically
- Togni's classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, built for decades in the cellar
- Full-bodied and firmly structured, with real soil signature rather than sheer size or polish
How To Serve It
- Serve at 60 to 65°F
- Decant for 1 to 2 hours if drinking now
- Pour into Bordeaux stems
- Pair with grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, or aged hard cheeses
- Best from 2027 through 2048
