I know these are meant to be opened with 15-20 years of age, but I couldn't help myself. As this was my first Togni, curiosity got the best of me. After a 2 hour decant, I was surprised at how bright, red-fruited, it was. Easy to drink, dark red cherries and red licorice, etc. But it soon became very astringent and really quite unpleasant to drink. After another 4-5 hours later, this wine underwent another transition to something that just started to become enjoyable. The last sip was by far the best. No ranking, too early to judge, but these are the kinds of wines I want in my cellar as I firmly believe this will be magnificent many years down the road. Cheers ...
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Of the three vintages I’ve had the pleasure of drinking (‘19, ‘20 and ‘21), this is the most balanced and enjoyable to drink at such a young age. The major difference it seems is that there’s more fruit coming through, less austere. I can’t help thinking that it’s the inclusion of some Coombsville fruit that’s been added that’s responsible. Drinking great now, but gets better in 5 years. A strong hold …
Very interesting … Definitely not what I was expecting from Howell Mt. Very refined, well-balanced, loads of refined tannins, but not the rustic, wild experience that I was expecting. Also, there’s this unmistakable and surprising note of eucalyptus that I have never noticed before in other Howell Mt cabs (I’m neutral on this). Long story short, this is good on its own merits, but I just don’t feel the terroir in this. No decant, consumed over two days with plenty of time in the glass. Will give my remaining two bottles another year or two. Hope this helps …
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
2019 Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvignon
5/4/2024 - Sdr69 wrote:
I know these are meant to be opened with 15-20 years of age, but I couldn't help myself. As this was my first Togni, curiosity got the best of me. After a 2 hour decant, I was surprised at how bright, red-fruited, it was. Easy to drink, dark red cherries and red licorice, etc. But it soon became very astringent and really quite unpleasant to drink. After another 4-5 hours later, this wine underwent another transition to something that just started to become enjoyable. The last sip was by far the best. No ranking, too early to judge, but these are the kinds of wines I want in my cellar as I firmly believe this will be magnificent many years down the road. Cheers ...
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2021 Di Costanzo Cabernet Sauvignon DI CO
4/28/2024 - Sdr69 wrote: 94 Points
Of the three vintages I’ve had the pleasure of drinking (‘19, ‘20 and ‘21), this is the most balanced and enjoyable to drink at such a young age. The major difference it seems is that there’s more fruit coming through, less austere. I can’t help thinking that it’s the inclusion of some Coombsville fruit that’s been added that’s responsible. Drinking great now, but gets better in 5 years. A strong hold …
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (3)
2018 Arkenstone Estate
4/13/2024 - Sdr69 Likes this wine:
Very interesting … Definitely not what I was expecting from Howell Mt. Very refined, well-balanced, loads of refined tannins, but not the rustic, wild experience that I was expecting. Also, there’s this unmistakable and surprising note of eucalyptus that I have never noticed before in other Howell Mt cabs (I’m neutral on this). Long story short, this is good on its own merits, but I just don’t feel the terroir in this. No decant, consumed over two days with plenty of time in the glass. Will give my remaining two bottles another year or two. Hope this helps …
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment