Joseph Phelps Backus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
Our first Backus Cabernet Sauvignon was produced in 1977 from a 6.75 acre parcel leased from Marian Backus, and even then we believed this steeply-terraced hillside vineyard with its brick-red soil was capable of producing outstanding wines. Subsequent vintages, especially during the 90's, confirmed our belief, and when the entire 45-acre parcel (which included 21.5 plantable acres) was offered for sale in 1996, we enthusiastically bought it. Still, even we were unprepared for the extraordinary quality that has come out of this vineyard in the last few years. The wines have been magical, with none surpassing the 2001 vintage for its trademark flavors of chocolate, berry and mineral, its silky texture and, perhaps most distinctive, its powerful, sweet tannins.
Actual bottle from our inventory is pictured. These bottles are in excellent condition, from their wooden original case and all fills are bottom neck or better. All bottles are as good or better than the bottle pictured.
Also available:
Joseph Phelps Cabernet Backus Vineyard 1999
Joseph Phelps Cabernet Backus Vineyard 2000
Joseph Phelps Cabernet Backus Vineyard 2001
Joseph Phelps Cabernet Backus Vineyard 2002
Joseph Phelps Cabernet Backus Vineyard 2003
Joseph Phelps Cabernet Backus Vineyard 2004
Joseph Phelps Insignia 1987
Joseph Phelps Insignia 1990
Joseph Phelps Insignia 1991
Joseph Phelps Insignia 1992
Joseph Phelps Insignia 1993
Joseph Phelps Insignia 1997
Joseph Phelps Insignia 2000
Wine Enthusiast
Tasted alongside a bevy of Oakville Cabs, this beauty was the star of the show. It’s a huge, masculine wine, authoritative and ageable. Pours dark and drinks tannic and oaky, with a massive core of cassis, cherry and chocolate fruit encased in perfect tannins. What grace and power, what balance. Drink now through 2016, at least.
Score: 97.
—Steve Heimoff,
November
01,
2005.
Wine Advocate
The 2001 Backus has really closed down since last year. Like the Insignia, I gave it the identical rating I had 12 months ago, so it has not really moved much at all. A backward styled effort from a hillside vineyard overlooking the Oakville Crossroads, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits dense purple color to the rim and a big, sweet, black fruit nose with scorched earth and loamy soil notes. The wine is powerful, broodingly tannic, tightly knit, but shows tremendous upside potential. It should only be purchased by those willing to invest 5-6 years of bottle age. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025.
Score: 93.
—Robert Parker,
February
2005.
International Wine Cellar
($150; 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.
Score: 92.
—Stephen Tanzer,
May
2004.
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All sizes are 750mL unless otherwise noted.
Vintages and ratings subject to change at any time.
All pricing and availability subject to change.
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