2014 Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvignon 'Estate' Spring Mountain

Winemaker Notes: In our own tastings of the 2014, it is hard to see any way in which it is any less a wine than the 2013, but time will tell. The weather in 2014 was fairly normal, though with underlying drought conditions. Some spring rain required additional work in the vineyard, while adequate heat led to a harvest beginning on 15th September.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


Decanter - "The Togni family's 2014 reveals a beautifully complex bouquet of plum, black cherry, clove, sweet tobacco, cocoa nib and hints of mountain laurel. On the palate the tannins are very silky and refined, especially by the standards of this site, framing a wine with great concentration, depth and acid line. A supremely graceful Cabernet and a worthy successor to the profound 2013."


Antonio Galloni - “Togni's 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is quite dark and powerful, but also very much medium in body. Graphite, smoke, savory herbs, mint, leather and a core of inky dark red and purplish fruit infuse this deep, beautifully layered Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2014 is a wine built on energy and aromatics that won't hit its stride until at least age ten.”


Robert Parker - “The flagship wine, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate from his vineyard high on Spring Mountain is a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. It seems slightly more approachable and civilized for a young Togni wine, with a dense ruby/purple color, loads of blackcurrant, licorice, and graphite, some earth and spice, but very subtle earth nuances. It is full-bodied and rich, but the tannins are well-integrated and don’t scream as loudly as some vintages of Togni can. For Togni, this is probably one of his more forward and precociously styled Cabernets. It will probably approach drinkability in several years, but don’t discount its aging potential, as this easily has 20-25 years of cellaring potential. Rating: 94+ WS 94 pts Wine Spectator This has the dark fruit and loam edges of a mountain fruit–based wine, with waves of warm cassis and ganache that are expressive and velvety in feel, while menthol, sage and bay leaf notes fill in the background. Grippy yet inviting, with the flavors melding wonderfully through the long finish, where a sense of freshness pervades. Best from 2020 through 2040.”