Joseph Phelps Vineyards

Backus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

9.5104 ratings
9.522 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
Charlie Beatty

Buyer wineworksonline.com

9.9

Awesome Cab. Opened 9:45am. Tried at 3:20pm at Joseph Phelps Winery with Henry and Val. Massive structure to this Great Cab. Full bodied with layers of Black Fruits. A Great Experience

Awesome Cab. Opened 9:45am. Tried at 3:20pm at Joseph Phelps Winery with Henry and Val. Massive structure to this Great Cab. Full bodied with layers of Black Fruits. A Great Experience

1 person found it helpfulSep 9th, 2015
Matt

Despite how primary it is there is an exceptional amount of earth/mineral components in the wine, very terroir driven. Infanticide, would love to revisit in 15+. With those deep fruits, powerful yet ripe '12 tannin structure, and engaging perfume its hard not to enjoy now.

Despite how primary it is there is an exceptional amount of earth/mineral components in the wine, very terroir driven. Infanticide, would love to revisit in 15+. With those deep fruits, powerful yet ripe '12 tannin structure, and engaging perfume its hard not to enjoy now.

Jun 21st, 2017
Delectable Wine

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9.7

The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard has really blossomed over the last year. A glorious, towering Cabernet Sauvignon offers super depth an intensity, with the voluptuous personality of the vintage on full display. Sweet red cherry, pomegranate, mocha and espresso all flesh out in the glass... (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Oct 2015)

The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard has really blossomed over the last year. A glorious, towering Cabernet Sauvignon offers super depth an intensity, with the voluptuous personality of the vintage on full display. Sweet red cherry, pomegranate, mocha and espresso all flesh out in the glass... (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Oct 2015)

Mar 14th, 2017
Kevin Ortzman

It must be Xmas!! Side by side with Dominus (same vintage). Earth, leather and a hint of pencil on the nose. The palate is fantastic with blueberry and fresh prunes. AMAZING!!!

It must be Xmas!! Side by side with Dominus (same vintage). Earth, leather and a hint of pencil on the nose. The palate is fantastic with blueberry and fresh prunes. AMAZING!!!

Dec 25th, 2016
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

Already fairly approachable but that is consistent theme with the Napa 12 Cabernets. Ripe blackberries, dark cherries, plum, blueberries, strawberries, black tea, dark cola, black licorice, very light baking spices as well as spice, leather, underbrush, elegant minerals and very polished fruit finish that lasts and lasts.

Already fairly approachable but that is consistent theme with the Napa 12 Cabernets. Ripe blackberries, dark cherries, plum, blueberries, strawberries, black tea, dark cola, black licorice, very light baking spices as well as spice, leather, underbrush, elegant minerals and very polished fruit finish that lasts and lasts.

Nov 20th, 2016
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

The fruits are dry. Blackberries, black plum, dark raspberries, dark cherries, smoke, tuff leather & dark minerals, soft spice (nutmeg), black tea with a super dry finish. Wouldn't open for nearly 20 years.

The fruits are dry. Blackberries, black plum, dark raspberries, dark cherries, smoke, tuff leather & dark minerals, soft spice (nutmeg), black tea with a super dry finish. Wouldn't open for nearly 20 years.

Aug 12th, 2016
George Chen

Fruit forward but not in a awkward way. Really rich and right bank like. It's not cheap so it's really just a great fun youthful wine that is like a shiny new expensive toy. Playful bit likely not for resting.

Fruit forward but not in a awkward way. Really rich and right bank like. It's not cheap so it's really just a great fun youthful wine that is like a shiny new expensive toy. Playful bit likely not for resting.

Jul 21st, 2016
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.6

Amazing stuff. Oddly, drinking better than the 12 Insignia. Lush, rich, big and concentrated. Black licorice, dark cassis, big ripe red fruits, sweet spice, red roses and big beautiful rich long finish. Very good things ahead.

Amazing stuff. Oddly, drinking better than the 12 Insignia. Lush, rich, big and concentrated. Black licorice, dark cassis, big ripe red fruits, sweet spice, red roses and big beautiful rich long finish. Very good things ahead.

May 8th, 2016
jesus g

Hospitality Schramsberg Vineyards

9.8

Showing quite nice out the gates, but hold. You will be rewarded

Showing quite nice out the gates, but hold. You will be rewarded

May 4th, 2016
Mark Blatty

Insane

Insane

Nov 12th, 2015