The 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. For those who don’t know, Togni has always made an uncompromising Cabernet meant for 20, 30, maybe even 40 or more years of cellaring. Gorgeously rich notes of black olives, black currants, graphite and wood smoke jump from the glass of this dense ruby/purple-colored, Medoc-styled 2003. At age ten, it displays a youthfulness similar to a 4- to 5-year-old wine. The finish is long, convincing and rich. It is reminiscent of a Spring Mountain version of a hybrid blend of St.-Julien and Pauillac. Unique to Napa and as distinctive as Philip Togni himself, it will benefit from another 4-5 years of cellaring and should last longer than your author. By the way, my cellar includes many vintages of Togni, and I rarely touch them before they hit 15 years of age. (RP) 95+

The 2003 Togni cabernet is a bit more aligned with the very suave personality of the 2005, rather than the more structured style of the 2004, and it is going to be another absolutely stellar bottle of wine in the fullness of time. The outstanding nose delivers scents of dark berries, cassis, currant leaf, a fine base of dark soil tones, dried eucalyptus, a touch of espresso and a gentle framing of toasty oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, complex and simply beautiful in its balance, with a vibrant core of fruit, ripe, seamlessly integrated tannins and outstanding length and grip on the focused and classy finish. A beautiful bottle. (Drink between 2023-2065) 94+ points

The 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon is just beginning to enter its early plateau of maturity that will last another 10-15 years. Smoke, tobacco, licorice, incense emerge from the glass, followed by hints of white pepper and orange peel that add intrigue and exoticism. The 2003 is relatively supple and open for a Togni Cabernet, but it also has enough depth to continue to drink nicely for years. (AG)