2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Backus Vineyard

Winemaker Notes The 2012 Backus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon boasts classic Oakville dark fruit, violet and graphite followed by dried blueberry, cardamom, cigar box and salted caramel with a dusting of cocoa powder throughout the palate. Powerfully concentrated with a refined, silky texture and long lingering finish.

Winemaking Data Each block remains separate during picking and fermentation. 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 area of the vineyard remain separate prior to blending in order to fully develop their distinctiveness. A replanting program at Backus began in early 2013. Marking the end of an era, the 2012 vintage is the final wine made with grapes from the original three-acre Backus Vineyard plantings.

Vintage Notes The 2012 growing season proved to be excellent from start to finish in Napa Valley. It was a warmer year than the prior three, beginning with cold, dry and sunny weather for the first few months. Bud break occurred during the first two weeks of April and both bloom and veraison took place earlier than 2010 and 2011. Phenomenal fruit set and perfect ripening weather in August, September and October resulted in superior fruit with exceptional quality.

Reviews 95 Points - Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
It is inky bluish purple to the rim, showing notes of underbrush, dusty soil notes and plenty of blackberry and blueberry fruit. The 2012 is a beauty and the tannins are surprisingly civilized for such a young Backus.
(Oct. 2015)