Joseph Phelps 2018 Backus

Value: $350

Deeply pigmented, with bold dark fruit, fragrant violet and mineral aromatics, the 2018 vintage is a stunning Cabernet Sauvignon offering of classic Oakville character. The palate is layered with blueberry, black currant, pepper and mocha with a silky, textured, lingering finish. 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels from coopers Taransaud, Marcel Cadet and Darnajou before bottling.

97 Points - James Suckling
"Aromas of mint, dark berries and black olives follow through to a medium to full body with lightly chewy and layered tannins that are long and focused. Lots of black-olive and conifer undertones, yet it remains subtle. Very long." April 2021

97+ Points - Jeb Dunnuck

"In contrast to the more open and seamless Insignia, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard is a beast of a wine based on 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, and 4% Malbec that saw the same two years in new barrels. More blackcurrants, black cherries, mulberries, graphite, crushed stone, lead pencil, and tobacco notes define the nose, and it's full-bodied, with an incredible depth of fruit and richness on the mid-palate, building tannins, and a great finish. With air, it picks up this intriguing, burning ember, iron, almost Hermitage-like character, yet it shuts down with extended air and becomes more tannic and unyielding. It's a brilliant wine, but the cellar is going to be your friend. It should hit full maturity in about a decade and will evolve for 30-40 years." Dec. 2021