The 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate (Togni holds back a small quantity of each vintage to release a decade later) represents a wonderful introduction into how well his wines age. 2000 was a very challenging vintage on Spring Mountain, but this wine possesses a gorgeous bouquet of cedarwood, plums, blueberries and black currants. In the mouth, some tannin is still noticeable, the weight is similar to the 2009's, and the wine may be just beginning to dry out slightly. Nevertheless, this 2000 reveals a Bordeaux-like personality with slightly ramped up ripeness in the nose. It should continue to drink well for another 5-6 years.
The venerable Philip Togni continues to build an impressive resume on Spring Mountain where he produces long-lived red wines as well as a tiny quantity of a remarkable, sweet elixir from Black Muscat grapes, the Ca Togni.
(WA 23rd Dec 2010)
