2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
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Tasting notes
When I expressed disappointment with his grand vin, the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, Togni told me eight years ago that it was “lighter” than he would have preferred, but gave no reasons as to why that might have been. Nevertheless, it is a very good wine albeit much more herbaceous than is typical for Togni, with some black currant, licorice and subtle smoke characteristics. Medium-bodied and fully mature (unlike a Togni wine that can generally last as long as just about any Bordeaux first-growth), even a genius such as Togni can appear to be human at times. In a brilliant career with many profound wines, the 2002 vintage remains somewhat of an aberration for high quality winemaker Philip Togni and his small, artisanal estate high on Spring Mountain near the Napa / Sonoma county line. He has produced so many great Cabernet Sauvignons (1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2001 and 2003 to name a few) that it is difficult to know what went awry in 2002. Tel. (707) 963-3731; Fax (707) 963-9186
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Medium ruby, less saturated than the young 2003. High-toned aromas of cassis, boysenberry, licorice and shoe polish. Sweet and lush but a bit flat, without the normal verve and grip of the Togni cabernet. Less expansive and concentrated in the middle palate, with good but not outstanding depth of flavor. Finishes a tad dry, with suggestions of licorice and leather. This will be drinkable early. Togni may yet bottle this under his second label, Tanbark Hill.
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.