1986 Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvignon

BY KELLI WHITE | OCTOBER 3, 2016 

As always, Philip Togni’s Spring Mountain Cabernets present Napa Valley at its most stoic and profound. This particular vintage is just hitting its stride, and while it certainly displays a certain level of maturity, the wine clearly has a long life left ahead of it.

Aromatically, the 1986 combines blackberry bramble, green peppercorn, cigar ash, and Christmas trees to great effect. The palate is a touch stemmy but noble, with reserved dark fruit, impressive concentration and power, and a serious structure. Though the tannins have resolved over time, they remain a formidable presence in the wine. The same is true for the acidity, which is strong in this vintage, adding delineation and contributing to the wine’s longevity. Once the fruit clears the palate, the wine’s deep mineral foundation is revealed. An expertly rendered wine from an exceptional site, the 1986 Togni Cabernet Sauvignon is a thrilling, complex glimpse into Napa’s past. 94/Drinking Window: 2016-2026