Philip Togni "Tanbark Hill Vineyard" Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
(Napa Valley, California) - [WA 94] [VM 93] [JS 93]

About the Winery:

There are few winemakers still living with the kind of history that Philip Togni has under his belt. Long before his eponymous winery was even conceived, he was crafting some of the most iconic wines in California. After a year at Mayacamas (1959), he became the founding winemaker for Chalone, worked at Inglenook for a year, became the founding winemaker for Chappellet (producing the acclaimed 1969 Cabernet Sauvignon that is still regarded as one of the greatest ever produced in California), and finally at finished out the 1970’s at Cuvaison.

In 1981, while still employed at Cuvaison, Philip began planting his own vineyard on Spring Mountain and it is here that he has cemented his legacy. Starting with the 1983 vintage he has produced an unbroken string of world class wines; age-worthy, classic, and incredible. Although Philip is still very involved, since 2007, his daughter Lisa has taken the lead more and more. The good news is that she shares her father’s gift for winemaking and shows no interest in changing anything at this venerable estate. 

The Estate vineyard at Togni is 10.5 acres (divided into 20 blocks) planted to 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The vines are co-planted and the wine is co-fermented. The soils are a mix of rocky volcanic and clay.

From this single vineyard Philip and Lisa produce three wines: the flagship Philip Togni Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, a second label Cabernet Sauvignon, Tanbark Hill, and a rare dessert wine, Ca’ Togni. The Cabernet Sauvignons are made using barrel selection and are otherwise handled exactly the same. All fruit is 100% destemmed, fermented in stainless steel and aged for 20 months in 40% new French oak. At this point the decision is made of which lots are blended into the “Estate Cabernet” and the “Tanbark Hill”. The Ca’ Togni is a wine unique to Napa, made from Black Hamburgh, Togni’s quarter acre of vines produce an aromatic, concentrated, sweet red wine unlike anything else we have come across. A true estate, the wines are made, bottled, and stored just feet away from the vineyard.

About this Wine:

The second label from Philip Togni Vineyard, "Tanbark Hill" comes from the same 10.5-acre estate vineyard as their eponymous wine and receives the same impeccable care in the cellar (20 months in 40% new French oak). The wine generally consists of fruit harvested from a 3-acre block (planted to 99% Cabernet Sauvignon) which has slightly richer soils. Added to the wine made from this block are barrels destined for the Estate bottling that are deemed more suitable for earlier drinking. 

94 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"Coming from a three-acre parcel in a slight swale with richer, less stony soils, Togni's 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Tanbark Hill Vineyard includes a definite herbal edge, encompassing bay leaf and a hint of capsicum, plus a comforting mix of ripe cherries and cassis. It's medium- to full-bodied, silky-textured and smooth, finishing with soft tannins and ample length. Drinking Window: 2027-2040." -Joe Czerwinski

93 Points - Vinous:
"The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Tanbark Hill Vineyard immediately announces an important vintage at Togni. Dynamic and layered in the glass, with terrific persistence, the Tanbark Hill is especially fine in 2023. Hints of licorice, sage, rosemary and dried flowers lend tons of complexity. This is quite simply one of the finest Tanbark Hills I can remember tasting. Drinking Window: 2025-2035." -Antonio Galloni (Nov 2025)

93 Points - James Suckling:
"A real Napa red with aromas of black and red currants and hints of cedar, bark and mushrooms. Medium-bodied, tangy and savory with a juicy finish. Drink or hold." (Jun 2026)