2013 Joseph Phelps, Backus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, Bottle (750ml)

AG97 "The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard is a total turn-on. Deep, plush and exotic, the 2013 is also remarkably polished for a wine of its considerable size. There is a real sense of depth and gravitas that runs through the 2013. I would prefer to cellar the 2013 for at least a few years to allow the intense, dark fruit to be at its most expressive." AG for VM Dec 2016

RP96 "The impressive site of Backus Vineyard, right across from the Oakville Crossroads and the Screaming Eagle vineyard, is an extremely steep but magnificent site in Napa Valley. Production for this wine ranges from 1,200 to 1,600 cases. The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard has 90% Cabernet and the rest Petit Verdot and Malbec. This wine is also aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak. The 2013 is a big, strong, powerful, muscular, even masculine style of wine, with high extract, loads of blackberry and cassis, some loamy soil undertones, sweet but noticeable tannins, and a long finish of close to 50+ seconds. It is a wine meant for the long haul, so I wouldn’t touch a bottle of the 2013 for another 5-6 years and drink it over the following 30+." RP Oct 2016

Robert Parker writes, "The venerable Joseph Phelps Vineyards Napa facility has undergone a complete facelift and renovation. They started their Sonoma Coast Freestone project in 1998, and it’s hard to believe it’s nearly 17 years of age. They are making some very Burgundian, cool-climate Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs from sites they own, and the wines merit considerable attention. Most of the Chardonnay vineyards are planted with the Old Wente selection, along with some of the newer Dijon clonal material. With the Pinot Noir, it is both California clones and Dijon clones." Published: Oct 29, 2015