Joseph Phelps Vineyards

Backus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

9.628 ratings
9.35 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
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

That’s Will Phelps pouring the 08 Backus of of magnum.

The nose is quiet but, shows dull fruits of; dark cherries, blackberries, cherries, black raspberries & creamy raspberries. Some licorice, dark, rich, moist soil, crushed rocks, and fresh red florals with a hint of violets.

The body is medium. The tannins are round and soft but still have plenty of life. The fruits are bright and ripe. Dark cherries, blackberries, cherries, black raspberries & creamy raspberries. Some licorice, dark, rich, moist soil, crushed rocks, and fresh red florals with a hint of violets. Round acidity and well balanced finished. The 08 still need a lot more time in bottle to shine.

That’s Will Phelps pouring the 08 Backus of of magnum.

The nose is quiet but, shows dull fruits of; dark cherries, blackberries, cherries, black raspberries & creamy raspberries. Some licorice, dark, rich, moist soil, crushed rocks, and fresh red florals with a hint of violets.

The body is medium. The tannins are round and soft but still have plenty of life. The fruits are bright and ripe. Dark cherries, blackberries, cherries, black raspberries & creamy raspberries. Some licorice, dark, rich, moist soil, crushed rocks, and fresh red florals with a hint of violets. Round acidity and well balanced finished. The 08 still need a lot more time in bottle to shine.

May 19th, 2018
Ryan Carey

Founder Wine Confidential

9.3

Don't get to pop one of these every day. Very solid wine. Still incredibly young and tannic. Outshined by the Hillside Select, but this bottle was better than Insignia from the same vintage

Don't get to pop one of these every day. Very solid wine. Still incredibly young and tannic. Outshined by the Hillside Select, but this bottle was better than Insignia from the same vintage

Jun 8th, 2017
Mitzi Inglis

Marketing/Public Relations, Joseph Phelps Vineyards

9.5

Still a baby but very approachable now. I hope to try this vintage again in a decade or two. #backus #josephphelps biased review.

Still a baby but very approachable now. I hope to try this vintage again in a decade or two. #backus #josephphelps biased review.

Jan 4th, 2016
David Pearson

It's actually the 2008. Beautiful wine.

It's actually the 2008. Beautiful wine.

Jun 12th, 2014
Robert Lim

Hard to believe this is almost a ten year old release, even decanted. Super tightly coiled and it seems like the fruit is suffocated by a rigid tannic structure. Highly expressive of Napa but not really enjoyable, I also can’t imagine it showing any better down the line... full disclosure, I don’t have humidity controlled storage, but I also think this wine isn’t really for me

Hard to believe this is almost a ten year old release, even decanted. Super tightly coiled and it seems like the fruit is suffocated by a rigid tannic structure. Highly expressive of Napa but not really enjoyable, I also can’t imagine it showing any better down the line... full disclosure, I don’t have humidity controlled storage, but I also think this wine isn’t really for me

Oct 6th, 2019
Michelle Hicks

Very nice cab. Really smooth.

Very nice cab. Really smooth.

Feb 25th, 2019
Kevin Fitzpatrick

Glorious wine great unctious fruit and minerality.

Glorious wine great unctious fruit and minerality.

Sep 29th, 2017
Jay Isaacson

And then there was this....

And then there was this....

Jan 3rd, 2016
Skip Smyser

Absolute home run 🍷What a treat HUGE

Absolute home run 🍷What a treat HUGE

Oct 5th, 2015
Claire Lee

Wow

Wow

Oct 18th, 2014