2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
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Tasting notes
The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is quite a bit nervier than I recall from previous tastings. That won’t be an issue for readers who can wait. Dried herbs, mocha, graphite and incense build nicely in the glass. My impression is that the 2008 is going through a phase of reticence. Some previous bottles have been much more expressive. That is certainly not the case here, but it is a reminder of the uniquely human quality of artisan wines. They can have their moods. I look forward to tasting this again in a few years’ time.
Critic scores
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Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is just starting to enter its early plateau of maturity. Smoke, black olive, sage, grilled herbs and a whole host of dark fruit flavors give this brooding Cabernet Sauvignon unusual complexity. Although already quite expressive, the 2008 has a long road ahead of it.
Dark red with ruby tones. Sexy, complex scents and flavors of dark berries, licorice, smoke, mocha, brown spices and underbrush. Fine-grained, suave and classically dry, if still a bit youthfully reticent in a medicinal way. But subtly envelops the palate and lingers on the long, fresh back end. Substantial tannins are in balance with the wine's fruit, spreading out to saturate the tongue. This rather uncompromising wine, perhaps a bit light for this mountain wine, stands out for its dryness and light touch.
Good deep ruby-red. Musky blackberry, dark chocolate and licorice on the nose. Dense, creamy and sweet, with lovely depth to the concentrated blackberry and licorice flavors. At once suaver and much more structured than the Tanbark Hill bottling, finishing with sweet tannins and excellent persistence. I like this wine's energy and cut.
About the producer
Perched at nearly 2,000 feet atop Spring Mountain, Philip Togni Vineyard is one of Napa Valley’s most revered small, family-run wineries. Established in the early 1980s by legendary winemaker Philip Togni, the estate has earned consistent critical acclaim for its age-worthy, Bordeaux-style blends.