Napa Valley

Full

Cork

The 1999 vintage for Napa growers presented wines that were very high in tannin and slow to mature. This wine is a pretty sight in the glass, displaying a ruby colour extending right to the rim. Tasted in August 2024, the first impression upon pulling the cork is a bright Sichuan pepper note—lifted and enticing—mingling with sweet tobacco, cassis, and dried sage. What’s particularly impressive is the grippy quality of the tannins, which are muscular and broad-shouldered, built like a linebacker. These tannins are well-integrated but still need time to soften fully. During the tasting, Philip Togni speculated whether this might result from more assertive pressing in the cellar. Still, regardless, the wine is 25 years young and easily has another 25 years ahead of it. It reminds me of the 2005 vintage but with more assertiveness in the tannin character and a firm spine of zesty acidity that keeps everything light, bright, and fresh. Nuances of white pepper, tobacco, leather, and sandalwood add to the intrigue. What a fabulous wine.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Merlot

Philip Togni, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, USA, 1999

togni-cabernet-sauvignon-58e63e142b599-5c8a872b23955.jpeg

The 1999 vintage for Napa growers presented wines that were very high in tannin and slow to mature. This wine is a pretty sight 

Philip Togni, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, USA 1999

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