2005 Joseph Phelps, Backus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, Bottle (750ml)

RP96+ "From a steep hillside vineyard on the lower slopes of the Vaca Mountains in Oakville emerges the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard, which is a blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec. This is a deeper, more primordial, richer and more masculine style of wine than the Insignia. The 2005 reveals surprisingly sweet tannin (tannin management can be an issue in certain vintages), gorgeously dark blackberry and cassis fruit, a hint of Graves-like scorched earth and volcanic undertones, and a full-bodied, powerful, concentrated, multi-layered mouthfeel. This is extremely youthful, has 14.6% natural alcohol, and seems set for another 30 years of evolution." RP Jun 2015

Robert Parker writes, "Joseph Phelps was one of the great visionaries of Napa Valley. He passed away several days before I arrived in Napa. His legacy is one of extraordinary quality. He was one of the first to see the merit in blending, which his legendary Insignia, which first debuted in 1974, has proven year after year. It remains one of the world’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blends. A pioneer in the Rhone-Ranger movement, although those wines never had the success that I’m sure he imagined, Plelps lived in Southern France for a number of years and loved the wines from that region. Nevertheless, he was a catalyst for this burgeoning movement, which today has a life of its own, and adds enormous attractiveness to the diversity of the California wine scene. He also wasn’t content to just stay at home in Napa, but branched out with cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards on the Sonoma Coast. Joe Phelps was a leader, and one of the greats of the wine world." Published: Jun 28, 2015