2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Backus Vineyard

Winemaker Notes The 2019 Backus is inky hued with a bouquet of dark fruit, pencil shavings, violet and peony notes. A classic East Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon offering with rich, dark cherry and black currant, layers of tannin structure, freshness, balance, and length.

Winemaking Data Each block at Backus Vineyard remains separate during harvest and fermentation. The complexity of this vineyard can be highlighted through the fruit and depth found in the North and Plateau blocks paired with the structure and concentration in the steep hillside fruit grown in the South block.

Vintage Notes In 2019, bud break occurred around the same time as 2018 but was delayed compared to our historical averages due to cold, saturated soils from the wet winter. May was cold with an unusual amount of rainfall which delayed bloom in some areas. Canopy management was key in 2019 because of vigorous canopies and moderate temperatures leading to less stress on the vines. July was cooler than average, but August and September warmed to push ripening ahead. Harvest weather patterns remained dry and fruit quality was excellent with well-developed flavors and structure.

Reviews (97-100) Points - Jeb Dunnuck
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard reveals a primordial bouquet of pure blue fruits, graphite, spice, and crushed rocks. With some coaxing, it offers up a touch more red fruit as well as floral notes, and as with the 2018, the purity and freshness is stunning. Full-bodied on the palate, this flawlessly balanced, powerful Cabernet Sauvignon has a stacked mid-palate, loads of tannins, and one monster of a finish. -JD, January, 2021

98 Points - James Suckling
Tobacco, ripe-berry, tar and dried-flower aromas. Full-bodied with lots of ripe berries, together with chocolate, walnuts and hazelnuts. Solid and powerful with layers of tannins and wonderful length. This needs four or five years to come together. -July 2022

(96-98) Points - Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Deep garnet-purple in color, it charges out of the gate with energetic notes of black raspberries, boysenberries, fresh red and black currants and lavender, plus suggestions of pencil shavings, tilled soil and iron ore. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is laden with crunchy black and red berry layers and a firm backbone of grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and mineral laced. -LPB, March, 2021

95 Points - Wine Spectator
A dark, winey style, with a well of red and black currant preserves laced liberally with bay leaf and chaparral hints, all carried by a solid graphite edge. A nice dusting of loam on the finish gives this a solid base line, too. Not shy, but has the delineation to pull it off. Best from 2023 through 2038. -JM, July 2022

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