Joseph Phelps Backus Napa Cabernet 750ml

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. RP 96+

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. Needs some time. Try after 2022. JS 95

The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard is an attractive, mid-weight wine that can be enjoyed with minimal cellaring. There is lovely purity to the red-toned fruit and a good deal of grip too. The 2017 is a bit brighter and more nervous than Phelps fans are likely to expect, but that is just the personality of a year in which the fruit was picked a bit ahead of what might have been optimal ripeness. Blood orange, spice and mint accents add to that impression of vibrancy. All the 2017 needs is a few years in bottle to fully come together. Drinking window: 2025 – 2037