Togni- buy or not?

I loathe most Napa Cabs but I love older Dunn Howell Mountain and Heitz Martha´s Vineyard. Now a friend tells me I must taste Togni, and that he is convinced I will like them. I just found a 1997 and a 2003 for a decent price, should I go for it?

Greetings from Sweden / Fredrik L

While I've not (to memory or notes) had the '97 or '2003, Togni is one of the more reliable CalCabs for those who like a more structured ageable style. I'd go for it

Our taste in Cal Cabs are similar, Fredrik. My favorite producers are Dunn, Heitz and Caymus. I suggest that you give Togni a try. My only complaint is with excessive bottle variation that I have experienced with their wines. The good bottles are smooth and well balanced.

[Jenise]

Togni is one of the most Bordeaux-like and traditional of Napa cabs and therefore one of my personal favorites, so of course I vote yes.

I vote yes as well. Top notch producer. I have several sleeping in the cellar.

The 1999 was just singing last fall. I have not had either the 1997 or 2003 but would not hesitate. I have been considering the 2003 myself as it is available here as well. Just so much wine out there these days and cal cabs are not what my cellar lacks.

So we have consensus! I will order the wines. Thanks!

Greetings from Sweden / Fredrik L

Togni is one of the most Bordeaux-like and traditional of Napa cabs and therefore one of my personal favorites, so of course I vote yes.

We opened a '96 Togni and a '96 Lynch-Bages at a dinner last week. The similarities far outweighed the differences.

If you like Bordeaux buy Togni Cab. In my humble opinion Phillip is one of the best winemakers from anywhere!
Gary

[David M. Bueker]

I enjoyed the '97 very much. Have not had the 2003.

Based on the handful of Togni's I've had (the 93, 95, and 96), it is clearly one of my top Cali cab producers.

But it's not as wild and rustic as a Dunn Howell Mountain in my experience, it's more fruit-forward and the tannins are more tamed.

I've checked and have several 2007s; notable for me because this is one of the wines that cellartracher says will be at peak until well after I've left the planet.