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BLEND
& GRAPE SOURCES: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the estate-grown Backus Vineyard in Oakville. |
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WINEMAKING
DATA: Grapes were harvested at an average 25.0° Brix, fermented in stainless steel tanks, then aged 26 months in new French oak barrels before being bottled in January, 2002. Harvest Date: October 8, 1999 |
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Cool
temperatures characterized much of the 1999 growing season with harvest running
two to three weeks later than normal. Warm weather in late September accelerated
the ripening process, and the extended season resulted in darkly pigmented
fruit, intense flavors, and balanced natural acidity, all of which contributed
to an outstanding crop in the Backus Vineyard. The wine itself is opulent and multi-layered, with great depth of color and super-ripe aromas of black fruits and mocha. An impressive concentration of sweet tannins frames a noteworthy finish and contributes to a degree of ageability that rivals the best of the 90's. |
WINEMAKING
QUOTES:"The 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard may turn out to be as fabulous as both the 1997 and 1994. Is is an astonishingly rich, full-bodied, powerful, super-extracted, unctuously-textured endeavor with layers of mineral-infused black cherry and cassis fruit wrapped in toasty new oak. Tannin is present, but it is silky and well-integrated. Sound acidity provides admirable delineation to the wine's huge framework."Robert M. Parker, Jr.s' The Wine Advocate. 12-23-00 |
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