2011 Cabernet Sauvignon, Backus Vineyard

Winemaker Notes The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon from Backus Vineyard highlights classic eastern Oakville graphite, violet, earth and dark fruit characteristics. Creamy texture and minerality showcase the blueberry, black plum jam, baking spice, cigar box and mocha notes that linger throughout the deeply lush finish.

Winemaking Data Each block was handpicked and sorted separately, then fermented in stainless steel and concrete tanks. The complexity of the Backus Vineyard can be highlighted through the fruit and depth we find in the North and Plateau blocks, structure in the South block and elegance from the old vines originally planted in 1975. Wine lots from each distinct area of the vineyard remain separate prior to blending in order to fully develop their distinctiveness.

Vintage Notes The 2011 growing season began normally with bud break occurring at the end of March. However, due to cool weather, bloom completed two to three weeks later than normal. By mid-June, preparations were underway for the unusually cool growing season. Vines were forced into competition for water by leaving cover crop untilled, delaying irrigation and cluster thinning. An eleven-day warming trend in mid-September helped push grape maturation. The first Backus block was picked on September 30th. Despite mid-season rain and cool weather in 2011, blends were carefully selected and the wines are fresh, will be long lived, and no doubt continue to evolve and develop.

Reviews 95+ Points - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Lavender, white flowers, blueberry jam and spices are some of the many notes that reluctantly open up over time. Persistent and silky, the 2011 is easy to appreciate today for its overall balance, but it will be some years before all the elements fully come together. (Dec. 2014)