Jay Kline

9.1

Popped and poured; drank over 3 days. Lush dark and red fruits. Soft...giving the impressions of impending secondary characteristics. I would imagine mushroom and forest floor next. A total Bordeaux wannabe in the best of ways. Fun wine! — 8 days ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

One of my favorite Napa producers & vintages from Philip Togni.

On the nose, ripe, perfumed florals, creamy fruits of; blackberries, mulberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, raspberries, plum and strawberries on the glass edges. Vibrant baking spices; vanilla, light cinnamon, clove & nutmeg. Dark smooth spices, mocha chocolate with caramel, dark berry cola, notes of black licorice, sweet tar, forest floral, fresh tobacco leaf, just a touch of dry herbs, graphite, loamy clay and dark, fresh red florals with lavender & violets.

The body is, round, ruby, lush & full. The structure, tension, length have just tipped to the very beginnings of the waning stage but, the balance is incredible. Ripe, perfumed florals, creamy fruits of; blackberries, mulberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, raspberries, plum and strawberries on the glass edges. Vibrant baking spices; vanilla, light cinnamon, clove & nutmeg. Dark smooth spices, mocha chocolate with caramel, dark berry cola, chalky volcanic minerals with some grit, crushed dry rocks, notes of black licorice, sweet tar, forest floral, tobacco with ash, soft leather, saddle-wood, some underbrush, just a touch of dry herbs, graphite, loamy clay and dark, fresh red florals with lavender & violets. The round acidity is near perfect. The long, round, ripe, ruby, lush, well balanced finish sings on the palate for minutes.

Photos of, the Philip Togni vineyard, cellar staff-Salvador Sanchez, Philip Togni and his daughter Lisa and their barrel room.

Producer notes and history...Philip Togni was born in England and earned a degree (the Dipome National d’Oenologie) at the University of Bordeaux under Emile Peynaud. World famous Winemaker & mega Wine Consultant Michel Rolland also studied under Emile.

After his studies, Philip Togni moved to the Napa Valley in 1959. His first job was planting vines at Mayacamas.

In his career, he has been the Winemaker for Chalone, Chappellet, Cuvaison, Gallo, Inglenook and Sterling before starting his own winery.

Philip Togni was the Winemaker at Chapellet when they made one of the top wines from the 1960’s, the legendary 1969 Chapellet.

Philip Togni Vineyards were founded in 1975 when he purchased 25 acres atop Spring Mountain at an elevation of 2,000 feet. It took until 1981 to plant the vineyard. Sadly, he had to replant in the early 1990’s due to phylloxera.

The winery released its first vintage in 1983, a Sauvignon Blanc. However, he no longer produces white wine.

It took a few more years until the first Cabernet Sauvignon wines were produced at the estate. The debut vintage for Philip Togni Cabernet was the 1985 vintage. The initial vintages of Philip Togni were 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Philip Togni does not produce wines with high alcohol. A style from Napa that is sorely missed by me.

The style of his wines are Left bank. Left Bank wines had a big influence on his winemaking and the estate. However, if you have ever spent time looking at his labels for alcohol levels, they’re nowhere to be found.

During the 1980’s, the BATF allowed wineries to state that their wine had the alcoholic strength of a table wine, which was around 7% to 14%. For wineries that had not requested to change their labels, those wineries were not forced to provide specific percent of alcohol. If their labels remain unchanged from their label during the 1980’s, they were only required to state the wine as table wine.

The vineyard contains rocky and clay soils at 2,000 feet. Like Howell Mountain, the vineyard is well above the fog line, which allows for more sunlight and riper fruit.

The Estate is planted to 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot.

Philip Togni makes three wines:

Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvignon. It is aged in 40% new, French oak barrels for an average of 20 months before bottling.

Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvignon is a big, powerful, tannic when wine young. PT requires longer cellar time. It’s made from ripe mountain fruit that can easily take a 10 to 20 year to fully mature. And trust me, it is closer to 20 years of aging before it’s ready to drink.

Philip Togni also produces a second wine called “Tanbark Hill.” It’s named after a prominent hill near the Estate. Tanbark Hill is a 3 1/2-acre parcel of young vines. A very good second wine for less money.

The third wine is Philip Togni Ca’ and is sweet red dessert wine that is produced from the grape, Black Hamburgh. This grape was popular in the Napa Valley before Prohibition. Black Hamburgh is also know as Black Muscat. It is a grape variety derived from the crossing of the Schiava Grossa and Muscat of Alexandria by R. Snow of Bedforshire, England in 1850, according to my studies.

Philip Togni remains a family Winery. The estate is managed by Philip Togni (in his 90’s), his wife Brigitta Togni and their daughter Lisa Togni. In time, it is expected that Lisa Togni will take over the estate.

— 6 days ago

Sarah Adelman

9.3

Black berry, Marion berry, black cherry on palate.
As it evolves, layers of mocha, cinnamon and clove reveal themselves, as well as hints of sarsaparilla and black licorice — 4 days ago

TheSkip

9.1

Note to self: much much much better with food. — 15 days ago

Martin G Rivard

9.7

Absolutely, mind blowing good. This is THE gem that we discovered during the William Cole tasting. It Instantaneously grabbed all of our attention. It was that good. All of our necks snapped up quickly as we said unanimously “what’s the name of this gorgeous beast!”
It was by far Christine’s favorite & my favorite. I immediately asked if it was for sale since this is a new release from February and may have been sold out already. Limited supplies were available and I picked up a case. I’ll put this up against any Howell cab out there right now. this stuff is 150% legit greatness! It blew all of us away at the tasting. Thank you so much Emily for the corking this beauty for us to try! I know it was a special treat in we were extremely grateful for your generosity. @David L @Mike R @Ron R @Shawn R @Carl Fischer @Bill Bender @Eric LaMasters @Kirk Alexander @Howard Greenfield
No bullshit guys. You’ve got to look this up. This is a glorious example of phenomenal Howell Mountain fruit. Deep, dark brooding blue fruit which is what i adore!!! Front, mid and back palate are all in play and a finish which the energizer bunny would be proud of!!! 🙌👏👏👏🙌 Call Emily and she’ll take great care of you.@Emily Davies — 3 hours ago

with Emily, Christine and 1 other

Martin G Rivard

10

A truly spectacular wine. It’s Godzilla wearing a pair of Cinderella slippers. It will tip toe across your palate effortlessly and with finesse but demands your full attention and respect while never letting go of you. The finish is stunningly long & begs you to take another sip 🙌👏👏🙌😘.
Thank you Bradley for a badass tasting and for your hospitality which was 2nd to none
Our stay was a winning bid from the Palm Beach Wine Auction and I’ll make sure we win this one again next year!!!!! The entire Lokoya team are Rockstars! Bradley, Brian, Leona and one of the best chef’s on the planet Tracey Shepos Cenami!!! Thank you for an Epic stay atop of the wine world! — 2 days ago

with Christine, Kirk and 1 other

Kirk Feyereisen

9.2

Had a bottle of this last year and tonight this is quite a bit better. Very smooth without a decant and dominated by cherry, plum and spice. Long finish. An elegant wine with or without a meal. — 21 days ago

Andrew Schirmer

9.2

A real stunner from Maggie Hedges. Fantastic structure, tannins. One of those wines that stands athwart Old World structure and New World profile. Inky purple, classic Cabernet nose of cedar, tannins. 2014 a bit young, just starting to integrate. Beautiful structure and finish. Silky without being cloying. Food-friendly. Happy 4th! 🍷🍷💥💥 — 15 days ago

with Alsu

Anthony Lombardi

9.0

Monday night steak night with the 2014 Obelisco Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon and the great Link Wray. This feels like summer. — 24 days ago

Geoff King

9.4

Absolutely delightful Bordeaux style blend. Deep purple color and the very flavorful taste. — 13 days ago