1989 Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvignon

1989 Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvignon – USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District (4/29/2010)
Although I own a few bottles of various vintages from Togni, this is the first I’ve opened. They are known to be notoriously slow agers, needing far more time in the cellar than most Napa Cabs. If you are turned off by green pepper and veggie flavors in your wine, this wine is not for you. My wife didn’t like it at all, but I did, especially once the NY Strip arrived. It is remarkably youthful in appearance. The nose initially screams Jalapeno but as the wine opens up a bit, lovely currant came through as well. In the mouth the fruit is bright with a heavy dose of bell pepper. Secondary flavors of tobacco, espresso, and sage complement. Acid is high and tart, tannins are smooth, and the fruit is big. The green element plays a too forward a role for me. I would hope with even more time in the cellar, this characteristic will back off giving a chance for this wine to bump up a point or two. Like most 20 year olds, this one needs to mature. (88 pts.)

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