2007 Joseph Phelps Vineyards Backus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

The winter months of January through March were drier than in previous years, and in order to bring moisture back to the root zone we began to till early. Budbreak arrived early with the warm temperatures that spring brought. Bloom also came early with near perfect weather throughout this period which ensured good berry set for all varieties. Summer temperatures for the most part were temperate and consistent. Due to the low rainfall during the winter months the vines matured more rapidly, canes lignified earlier and the period from veraison to harvest was shorter than our historical average. 2007 cluster weights were between 23% and 45% lower than historical weights, producing lower yields. As the summer progressed, irrigation strategies and canopy management became key factors in developing fruit quality.

The 2007 Backus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon boasts aromas of licorice, violet, espresso beans, blueberry syrup and exotic spices. The texture and silkiness on the palate are seamlessly interwoven with concentrated layers of perfectly ripe tannin and fruit. Notes of minerality and sweet oak linger on the long finish.