1983 Cabernet Sauvignon

There is no question Philip Togni is one of the greatest winemakers in Napa Valley. Togni has made many of the most iconic wines in Napa Valley since the late 1960s. The track record speaks for itself, but recent bottles of the 1985, 1990, 1991, 1994 and 1997 have all been unforgettable. And the 1969 Chappellet? One of the single greatest expressions of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon I have ever tasted. The winery remains very much a family-run affair, with Togni assisted by his wife Birgitta and more recently his daughter, Lisa. The wines are as classic as ever. Best of all, these remain some of the most fairly priced upper echelon wines anywhere in the world. Readers on the Togni list might have an interest in checking out some of this year's library releases, which include the 2003, 1993 and 1983. Needless to say, there are few, if any, wineries in Napa Valley that give consumers the opportunity to purchase older vintages straight from the winery's own cellars. In addition to the wines reviewed here, I also tasted two lots of the 2013, a vintage that is shaping up to be very strong. For more, readers might enjoy this short video with Philip and Lisa Togni shot at the estate during the 2011 harvest.