The 2022 Philip Togni Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a profound and classically structured Napa Cabernet from one of California’s most revered traditional estates. Produced high on Spring Mountain from organically farmed estate vineyards planted on steep, rocky slopes, the wine reflects Philip Togni’s unwavering commitment to restraint, freshness and longevity rather than modern opulence. A blend led by Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller portions of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the 2022 was aged for around 20 months in French oak and bottled at a modest 13.8% alcohol — remarkably restrained by Napa standards. Despite the challenges of the 2022 vintage, the wine has been widely praised for its precision, balance and classical profile, with critics comparing it stylistically to Saint-Julien Bordeaux.
The nose reveals cassis, black cherry and redcurrant layered alongside graphite, cedar, tobacco leaf and dried herbs, giving the wine extraordinary aromatic lift and complexity. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied with finely structured tannins, vibrant natural acidity and a tightly wound mineral core. Layers of dark berry fruit, mocha, iron-rich earthiness and savoury spice unfold with remarkable precision and freshness, finishing long, poised and beautifully persistent with immense ageing potential. Critics have praised the wine’s "grace and understatement," highlighting its balance, purity and classical mountain structure, with scores reaching 97+ points from Wine Advocate and 95+ from multiple major reviewers.
Ben’s Recommendation:
The 2022 Philip Togni Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a world-class Napa Cabernet — refined, mineral and beautifully classical with extraordinary structure, freshness and longevity. Perfect with ribeye, venison, roast lamb, porcini dishes or aged hard cheeses. Decant if drinking young or cellar gracefully through 2055+.
