Backstage cabernet earns 97 points in 2018 Ultimate Wine Challenge

Backstage Winery earned 97, 95 and 92-point scores for cabernet sauvignons in the 2018 Ultimate Wine Challenge.

The 97-point score went to the 2014 Backstage Cabernet, which comes from the winery’s Backstage Vineyard in the Oakville region of the Napa Valley. Judges rated the wine “extraordinary” and gave it an “ultimate recommendation.” It won the competition’s Chairman’s Trophy.

Here’s what the judges had to say:

“Impressive nose of smoky cassis, pipe tobacco, cedar, vanilla bean, resin, and saddle leather. A chorus of stewed black fruits, sweet spice, vanilla, and oak build on the palate, with pleasing drying tannins to add structure.”

Backstage Winery produces 600 cases of cabernet sauvignon annually from its 5-acre Backstage Vineyard, planted in 1994. The vineyard’s well-drained soils, incredible climate and superior growing conditions provide the perfect place to grow world-class grapes.

Judges gave a 95-point score to Backstage Winery’s Encore Cabernet, which comes from the winery’s Encore Vineyard in the Rutherford region of the Napa Valley. The wine also received an “extraordinary” rating and “ultimate recommendation.”

Here are the judges’ notes:

”Dried black currants, nutmeg, dried tobacco, and cocoa nibs abound on the nose. The palate is rich and structured with blackberry jam, cedar, and sweet spice. The finish is equally rich and jammy with a long, smooth finish.”

Backstage Winery produces 568 cases of cabernet sauvignon annually from the 5-acre Encore Vineyard, which was planted in 2008 and has some of the best fruit on the Napa Valley floor. Warm daytime temperatures with remarkably dry soil make it one of the best small vineyards around.

Backstage Winery’s 2014 Green Room Cabernet got a 92-point score. The cabernet comes from the winery’s Green Room Vineyard in the Howell Mountain region of the Napa Valley.

Judges “highly recommended” the wine and rated it “excellent.”

Here’s how judges described the Green Room Cabernet:

“Freshly sliced bresaola, vine ripe tomatoes, and cassis are sweet and savory aromas. Bold flavors are bright and juicy with blackcurrants and blackberries, dusty cocoa powder, an earthy mineral flare. The big flavors here would do well next to a richly marbled steak.”

The 7-acre Green Room Vineyard was planted in 2010 and produces 768 cases of cabernet sauvignon annually. Because of its altitude at 1,600 feet on Howell Mountain, evening temperatures in the vineyard are warmer and daytime temperatures are much cooler than vineyards down in the lower parts of the Napa Valley. The soil is volcanic, which provides excellent drainage. Because of the cooler springtime temperatures in this part of Napa, buds break later than average, resulting in a later harvest time, which is essential for a good balance between acidity and sugar. The high quality fruit ultimately translates into excellent quality, complex wine.