After being away from the valley for a few days, I returned to Calistoga today not fully appreciating the heat wave that has rolled in since I had been in San Francisco (which is beginning to exhibit the early feeling of balmy fall weather).
It turned out I needed to run up to Philip Togni to pickup some wine and I was happy to find the temperature there near the peak of Spring Mountain was a few degrees cooler than the scorching valley floor. Philip and daughter Lisa were preparing to bottle the upcoming vintage of the sweet Black Hamburgh, Ca' Togni tomorrow (it is delicious!). Philip took me on the traditional hike up the ship ladders in the gravity flow winery on our customary (at least once annually) barrel tasting. The 2007 components are as always, very compelling (free run and press fractions are kept seperate until final selection of what goes into the Togni vs. Tan Bark Hill. Parker will be out to taste in the middle of October so look for his impressions before the end of the year.
Philip mentioned the 2008 harvest will be smaller than normal, likely only about 1600 cases total.
Before leaving, Philip let me know that we still have more cases remaining of our 2005 allocation.
Here as a reminder is our outstanding evaluation of it:
2005 Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvignon; Vinfolio rating: 96 points
It is showing a deep cassis nose with shadings of salted Spanish olives, grilled Argentine beef and crumbled French lavender. The palate when first opened was very tightly wound with strongly focused acidity and a leanness that was notable even by Philip's standards. Now the mouth has fleshed out to show much more accessibility. Sculpted blackberry, graphite, grilled meats, violets, plums and an exquisite chemistry of strength and suppleness. The finish is tactile smoky mole, espresso and blackberry. I expect nobody will adopt my crack and banish regimen but those who take a position in this wine based on my recommendation should know that it needs patience without compromise. Drink 2011 - 2030
If you are interested in more of this wine, A Vinfolio Top 25 wine of 2007, please place a quote request or contact your Vinfolio Wine Specialist for assistance.
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