In contrast to the more open and seamless Insignia, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard is a beast of a wine based on 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, and 4% Malbec that saw the same two years in new barrels. More blackcurrants, black cherries, mulberries, graphite, crushed stone, lead pencil, and tobacco notes define the nose, and it's full-bodied, with an incredible depth of fruit and richness on the mid-palate, building tannins, and an excellent finish. With air, it picks up this intriguing, burning ember, iron, almost Hermitage-like character, yet it shuts down with extended air and becomes more tannic and unyielding. It's a brilliant wine, but the cellar will be your friend. It should hit full maturity in about a decade and will evolve for 30-40 years.
97 Points James Suckling
Aromas of mint, dark berries and black olives follow through to a medium to full body with lightly chewy and layered tannins that are long and focused. Lots of black olive and conifer undertones, yet it remains subtle. Very long.
97 Points - Vinous
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard shows off the best qualities of the year in its silky, perfumed personality. Blackberry, blueberry, lavender, spice and mint are all built in the glass. 2018 stands out for its freshness and verve. Inky dark fruit, graphite, menthol and licorice linger in a classic expression of this Eastern Oakville site.
96+ Points Robert Parker Wine Advocate
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard is a blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 4% Malbec, aged 24 months in 100% new French oak. Deep purple-black coloured, it soars out of the glass with notes of plum preserves, baked black cherries and crème de cassis, plus nuances of crushed rocks and unsmoked cigars with a touch of cardamom. The palate is full-bodied and seductively rich, delivering mouth-coating black and blue fruit preserves with loads of exotic spice accents and a velvety texture, finishing long with a refreshing herbal lift.
96 Points - Wine Spectator
This sports the typical Oakville profile of dense plum, black currant and blackberry fruit flavours, but the fruit is more restrained than most, with licorice root, warm earth, menthol and roasted alder notes playing an equal part. Everything melds steadily through the long, smouldering finish. Built for the cellar. Best from 2023 through 2040.
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