2019 Philip Togni 'Tanbark Hill' Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Tankbark Hill is the companion wine to Philip Togni’s flagship Margaux-style blend. It’s made from specific blocks of the estate vineyard where different soils deliver a different experience, and it’s built to be approachable young. The 2019s are off the charts, with excellent growing conditions delivering a classic expression and an absolute delight of a Cabernet. Red berry fruit, rose petals and spice are all wrapped up with a silken bow. Enjoy immediately.
Phillip Togni—who was making wine in the Napa Valley before Alaska was a State—is a Napa Valley legend. Today he and his daughter Lisa farm Phillip Togni Vineyard, a totally self-sufficient estate on Spring Mountain, and make an extremely rare, old-school, “Margaux-type” Cabernet blend there. Togni’s 2013 wine garnered a perfect 100-point score from Antonio Galloni, and countless others have scored in the high 95-99s. Togni has made more legendary wines than almost anyone in the valley (e.g. 1969 Chappellet). What can you do when your own reputation is a tough act to follow? Just keep making great wine.
Wine Advocate
It's telling that even Togni's 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Tanbark Hill Vineyard—the early-drinking wine—needs a few years in the cellar. The barest hint of bell pepper accents bold cassis fruit and notes of wild thyme on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is fairly open and generous, with enough suppleness to suggest only five years of cellaring will be necessary. Classically styled, it's streamlined in shape and long on the finish, ending with mouthwatering acids and soft tannins.(JC)
Wine Spectator
Inviting, with ripe raspberry and black currant fruit stitched with singed apple wood, tobacco, menthol and sweet bay leaf. Reveals a bit of tarry grip on the finish, along with a cast iron hint, but should round into form soon enough. Best from 2023 through 2034.
Vinous
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Tanbark Hill Vineyard is soft, open-knit and an absolute delight to taste today. Silky contours wrap around a core of red berry fruit, rose petal and spice. This gracious, understated Cabernet Sauvignon is a real charmer. Best After 2022