2003 Philip Togni Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Estate

BY ANTONIO GALLONI | OCTOBER 02, 2023

The 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, a library release from the winery this year, is in great shape. Rich, racy and super-expressive, the 2003 offers up an exotic mélange of ripe dark plum, hard candy, tea leaves, spice, mocha, leather and menthol. Sweet floral top notes add character to the distinctly ripe flavor profile. The tannins have softened, making the 2003 quite enjoyable today. I don’t see the complexity of potential for the extended longevity of the very best years, but I doubt that will matter much to most readers.

Harvest started on September 23, normal for the time. This was the first vintage made in an expanded cellar that allowed for the barrels to be arranged on one level, rather than stacked, which Philip Togni believes contributed to greater precision, as the wines were tasted more often during élevage. Today, the 2003 offers considerable pleasure. I expect it will drink well for another decade or so. This is an especially fine bottle. 94/Drink 2023-2033.

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