Togni Cabernet Sauvignon 1999–2019: A Vertical Tasting Experience
Lisa Togni, who took charge of her father’s winery in 2007, is carrying on Philip Togni’s legacy with her nuanced and elegant wines. Philip, known for his reclusive nature, built a winery on Spring Mountain with a passion for creating Bordeaux-style wines in Napa Valley. Lisa, contrastingly outgoing, has developed an approach that respects the past while also embracing the future.
In the aftermath of devastating wildfires in 2020, Lisa’s community rallied around her. When a neighboring winery offered help with firefighting resources, it exemplified the solidarity of the wine community in Napa. Thanks to their efforts, her vineyards were safeguarded despite the challenges they faced.
Lisa has initiated organic practices over the last few years though she remains in the process of obtaining certification. The winery sustains the classic Bordeaux blend of predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, reflecting the original planting choices made by her father.
The 25-acre vineyard, situated above the fog line, benefits from cooler days and warmer nights—conditions that are less conducive to extreme heat and ultimately positive for the grape quality. Each vineyard block is managed individually, celebrating the uniqueness of the terroir through careful harvesting and fermentation practices.
Lisa’s journey back to the family business was neither forced nor expected. With an academic background in European history and experience in various international wineries, including Château Léoville Barton, she returned with a fresh perspective willing to honor the tradition while being open to new ideas.
The winemaking process at Togni Vineyard is straightforward but distinct. The grapes are picked based on taste rather than mere sugar levels, as Lisa believes relying solely on refractometers in Napa led to wines that skewed towards over-ripeness. The resulting wines boast a range of tasting notes—from savory black fruit and spice to more complex dark undertones, all reflecting the vineyard’s rich heritage.
As she navigates challenges such as climate change, fires, and rising insurance costs, Lisa remains steadfast in her commitment to making wines that embody the spirit of the land. With a focus on maintaining alcohol levels around 14% and promoting a balanced canopy, she ensures the winery evolves while staying true to its roots.
Tasting Notes:
- 2019 Tanbark Hill Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon: Bright and savory, full-bodied, with toasty spice. | 90
- 2019 Philip Togni Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon: Structured, fresh, and alert with fine tannins. | 92
- 2018 Philip Togni Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon: Tight and detailed, soft tannins, eloquent finish. | 93
- 2014 Philip Togni Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon: Poised, with a delicate mix of tobacco and black fruit. | 89
- 2013 Philip Togni Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon: Complex, layered flavors with depth and great length. | 94
- 2008 Philip Togni Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon: Fresh and graceful, rich in silk and licorice notes. | 93
- 2004 Philip Togni Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon: Concentrated, soft, opulent with a sweet, long finish. | 95
- 1999 Philip Togni Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon: Fresh, vibrant, complex with great potential for aging. | 93
Lisa Togni is not just preserving her father’s legacy but is also shaping a future that honors both the tradition and the community around her.