TASTING NOTES:
The grapes for Back Forty are grown on low-yielding vines on a 40 acre, 1,100-foot elevation vineyard at the back side of Ferrari-Carano’s RockRise Mountain in Alexander Valley. A delicious array of intense aromas and flavors include ripe plum, spice, cassis, deep blackberry, mocha and toasty oak. This full-bodied, juicy and viscous wine has excellent length and a lingering finish of smooth, mouth-coating tannins.
VINTAGE NOTES:
Our mountain vines are grown in shallow, rocky, low-vigor soils that add impressive depth and concentration of flavors to the wine. Overall 2012 was a very good year with ideal weather conditions for the vines. Consistently warm temperatures during the summer months without any heat spikes or major rain events allowed for longer “hang time” for the grapes, which led to fully ripe flavors. The grapes for Back Forty were harvested mid October.
WINEMAKING NOTES:
French clones 337 and 191 were selected specifically for Back Forty because of their small berry size and rich tannins. The grapes for Back Forty are hand harvested, and upon entering the winery, gravity fed directly into oak tanks for four days of cold soaking, then fermented and macerated for 24 — 28 days on the skins. After primary fermentation, the wine is drained and pressed to barrels for malolactic fermentation and aged in the wine caves for 21 months, with an additional 14 months aging in bottle prior to release.
FOOD PAIRINGS:
Back Forty pairs well with roasted, broiled or barbequed red meats such as lamb, beef, pork or veal. Medium and strong-flavored semi-soft, semi-hard, aged or creamy cheeses work well, or pair Back Forty with a dark chocolate dessert for a special treat.
BLEND: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
COOPERAGE: 78% new Hungarian and French oak, 22% older oak
Alcohol: 14.8%
pH: 3.94
TA: 0.54
The 2012 PreVail West Face is composed of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon and 34% Syrah. It exhibits damp earth, chocolate and blackberry characteristics along with a primordial richness and density. From vineyards planted between 600 and 1,400 foot elevations, this is a serious, full-bodied, flavorful wine that begs for grilled meats on the BBQ. This full-throttle, slightly tannic, beautifully made Cabernet should drink well for 12-15+ years. - Robert Parker 93 Points
Tightly wound yet richly flavored, with generous blackberry, anise, cedar, crushed rock and black licorice notes that are expansive and lingering. The chewy tannins are ripe and gripping. Best from 2017 through 2030. 650 cases made.–JL - Wine Spectator Magazine 92 Points
Smoky cigar and toffee caramel hit the high notes in this soft, thick and rich reserve-level wine, sure to please fans of a full-bodied, generously layered style. Blackberry and blueberry jam provide the fruit to match the savory elements. - Wine Enthusiast Magazine 91 Points
