Philip Togni, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Philip Togni, Napa Valley Cabernet SauvignonMedium to deep garnet purple in color, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate has a wonderfully earthy nose of truffles, tilled soil and mossy bark over a core of fresh blackcurrants, black plums and blueberry pie with a waft of bay leaves. The palate is medium bodied, elegant and refreshing with a beautiful quiet intensity and great freshness, finishing long and earthy.

the wine fills your palate

my sense is that this will eventually come together

but it is here in spades

40% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah that spent 16 months in equal parts concrete tanks and smaller barrels

this splendid wine promises to get even better over the next 4-6 years and possibly last through the first decade of the next century

Perrier Jouët Belle Epoque 2008 reminds me somewhat of the grace of the exceptional 1995

along with the amazing 2011

There is just enough reduction to mask the underlying fruit but not the floral and spice nuances

The 2016 Insignia has turned out beautifully

Tasted April 2016

which is not surprising given the fact that the Chave family has more experience than just about anybody in the winemaking world (the domaine was founded in 1481 - nearly a decade before Christopher Columbus discovered America

grainy backbone of very ripe tannins and tons of vivacity