Joseph Phelps Vineyards

Backus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

9.631 ratings
9.510 pro ratings
Oakville, Napa Valley, California, USA
Cabernet Sauvignon
Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Pasta, Venison, Tomato-Based, Potato, Pork, Chocolate & Caramel, White Rice, Mushrooms, Beef, Lamb, Chili & Hot Spicy
Top Notes For
Garen Staglin

Olive and Eucalyptus. G

Olive and Eucalyptus. G

Apr 29th, 2019
Greg Gregory

Out of 6L

Out of 6L

Jan 28th, 2018
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

On the nose, shy dark cassis. Ripe; blackberries, dark cherries, poach strawberries, slightly baked rhubarb, black plum & black raspberries. A little funky earthiness, light baking spices, dry top soil and fresh & dry dark florals. The body is rich and medium. The fruits are fresh and delicious. Ripe; blackberries, dark cherries, poach strawberries, slightly baked rhubarb, black plum & black raspberries. Grainy volcanic minerals, dry top soil, black cherry cola, steeped fruit tea, crush rocks, dry stones, soft leather, tobacco with ash, graphite, dry brush, round, bright, fresh acidity and a round, with an elegant fruit driven finish that swirls on the palate well over a minute. Out of Magnum.

On the nose, shy dark cassis. Ripe; blackberries, dark cherries, poach strawberries, slightly baked rhubarb, black plum & black raspberries. A little funky earthiness, light baking spices, dry top soil and fresh & dry dark florals. The body is rich and medium. The fruits are fresh and delicious. Ripe; blackberries, dark cherries, poach strawberries, slightly baked rhubarb, black plum & black raspberries. Grainy volcanic minerals, dry top soil, black cherry cola, steeped fruit tea, crush rocks, dry stones, soft leather, tobacco with ash, graphite, dry brush, round, bright, fresh acidity and a round, with an elegant fruit driven finish that swirls on the palate well over a minute. Out of Magnum.

Sep 9th, 2017
Will Phelps

Joseph Phelps Vineyards

9.8

Out of magnum. 1997 Backus at 19 years old, doesn't get much better than this.

Out of magnum. 1997 Backus at 19 years old, doesn't get much better than this.

Jun 27th, 2016
Mitzi Inglis

Marketing/Public Relations, Joseph Phelps Vineyards

9.4

From 3 liter. Biased review #josephphelps

From 3 liter. Biased review #josephphelps

Mar 13th, 2016
Scott Hill

1997 ! A masterpiece harmonizing wet forest notes with old leather, dried herbs, baking spices, cigar box, and smoky meats. Wow and wow again!

1997 ! A masterpiece harmonizing wet forest notes with old leather, dried herbs, baking spices, cigar box, and smoky meats. Wow and wow again!

Jun 8th, 2015
Paul T- Huntington Beach

4 hour decant as well, still a little tight but a great match for the Ribeye, Strip & A5 Wagyu
Consensus # 2 wine of the night

4 hour decant as well, still a little tight but a great match for the Ribeye, Strip & A5 Wagyu
Consensus # 2 wine of the night

Nov 16th, 2023
Paul T- Huntington Beach

Yeah it’s a big pour, but it’s decanting as well so it’s a sipper. Fantastically aged, look at that cork.
Backus needs 15-25 years

Yeah it’s a big pour, but it’s decanting as well so it’s a sipper. Fantastically aged, look at that cork.
Backus needs 15-25 years

Nov 28th, 2022
Esther Garcia

Black cherries, herbs, moka,
cacao. Long finish.

Black cherries, herbs, moka,
cacao. Long finish.

Oct 28th, 2021
Pablo Cetlinski

Surely the god of wine "blessed" this vineyard.Oakville sun and soil trapped in the glass. After 24 years it is very mature and still vivid.

Surely the god of wine "blessed" this vineyard.Oakville sun and soil trapped in the glass. After 24 years it is very mature and still vivid.

Jan 24th, 2021