Joseph Phelps Backus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Professional Ratings

• 96 Jeb Dunnuck

  More pure crème de cassis, graphite, crushed rocks, smoked tobacco, and violet notes emerge from the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard, and if the Insignia is the Chateau Margaux of the valley, this is a more Pauillac, Château Latour-like effort that brings incredible power, richness, and minerality. Dense purple-hued, full-bodied, and structured, it nevertheless holds onto the silky, elegant style of the vintage beautifully. It's certainly enjoyable today in a youthful sort of way, but it should hit prime time with another 5-7 years of bottle age and evolve for 25-30 years or more.

• 96 Robert Parker's 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. Rating: 96+
• 95 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. Needs some time. Try after 2022.