2001 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard is fading. Strong torrefaction oak signatures, mid-weight structure and a hint of brett are all present. The 2001 today is an elegant, lithe Backus that tastes like a wine from the 1980s. I would not push my luck on further aging. This is the first vintage that includes young vines planted after Joe Phelps bought Backus in 1996.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(bottled two weeks before my tasting) Deep ruby. Wild aromas of black fruits, leather, violet, meat, fruit cake and pungent oak, with the liqueur-like ripeness displayed by the 2001 Insignia. Superripe, fat and sweet, with slightly roasted aromas of black fruits, leather, meat and fruit cake. Compared to the more minerally Insignia, this gives an impression of higher pH and doesn't show quite the same clarity of flavor. My sample reminded me a bit of Chateauneuf du Pape. The tannins are not as fine as those of the Insignia.
Saturated, bright ruby. Ripe, brooding aromas of black cherry, licorice and mint. Dense, uncompromisingly dry and tightly wound, with a very rich dark chocolate flavor leavened by terrific vinosity. Extremely backward today but juicy, structured and very persistent on the finish.
About the producer
California winery Joseph Phelps is best known for its flagship Insignia cuvée, one of the first and finest proprietary red wines in the Napa Valley.