2017 | Joseph Phelps | Backus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

A wine of great depth and integrity, 2017 Backus offers aromatic blackberry, blueberry, cocoa powder and black pepper with notes of forest floor and fragrant young violet. Powerful tannin structure envelopes vibrant layers of crushed rock minerality and black fruit with a fresh, inviting, lingering finish.

Reviews:

• Wine Advocate: The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard is composed of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec and 4% Petit Verdot. It was aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Deep garnet-purple colored, it needs a little coaxing before it charges out of the glass with bold expressions of crème de cassis, boysenberries and black cherry preserves plus suggestions of cast-iron pan, violets, allspice and sandalwood with a touch of fragrant earth. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is absolutely packed with muscular black fruit preserves flavors, beautifully supported by finely grained tannins and lovely freshness, finishing with loads of mineral and spice fireworks.

• James Suckling: Very flamboyant for the vintage with crushed blueberries, blackberries and flowers. Full and very rich with layers of fruit and tannins, which then pull back at the finish. Excellent wine with lots of polished tannins.

Producer Information

Joseph Phelps is one of Napa Valley's most prominent wine producers. As is the case with many of Napa's most famous producers, the key grape variety here is Cabernet Sauvignon. The iconic redwood winery is located just outside of St Helena. The company owns vineyards across Napa, notably in Stags Leap, Oak Knoll, Rutherford and Oakville. The estate was established in 1973 with a first release of three wines. Joseph Phelps was running a construction company in Colorado and had come to Napa for a project and had fallen in love with the wine industry there. After importing grapes back to Denver for vinification for a time, he bought a cattle ranch in the valley and began planting vineyards. Joseph Phelps' flagship wine is Insignia, which made its debut in 1974. This is a blend based on Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller amounts of other Bordeaux varieties. The precise components vary with each vintage. Current options are Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. The company hopes to replant some Merlot for future vintages. Phelps' aim was to move away from varietal labeling and create a wine that could be different every year, depending on what the vintage called for. It is one of Napa's so called cult Cabernets, and several vintages have been awarded 100 points by noted wine critic Robert Parker. From 2004 Insignia is made entirely from estate grown fruit. Outside of Insignia, Joseph Phelps makes a large portfolio of wines. Fruit for these is sourced both from estate vineyards and partner growers. The line up ranges from single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon wines to more approachable varietal wines made from classic California varieties. These include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc. Fruit for some of these comes from vineyards along the Sonoma Coast. Older wines may feature other AVAs.

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