Joseph Phelps Backus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
The 2002 vintage has the distinctive rich color we've come to associate with this vineyard, followed by a nose of licorice, minerals and dark roast coffee. Concentrated mineral and rich black fruit flavors predominate, and a seamless finish contributes to the wine showing exceptionally well, even at this early stage.
Actual bottle from our inventory is pictured. These bottles are in excellent condition (some nicked labels), from their original wooden case and all fills are into the neck. All bottles are as good or better than the bottle pictured. To see other wines currently available from this producer, please click the link with the name of this producer underlined above, just to the right of "Producer."
Wine Advocate
The monster 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard is nearly 100% Cabernet Sauvignon (dollops of Petit Verdot and Malbec are included in the blend). Dense and full-bodied, it is nearly primordial in its concentration and brooding backwardness, and should only be purchased by those able to defer their gratification for 5-6 years. A huge wine, it exhibits black fruit, scorched earth, loamy soil, crushed rock, espresso roast, and new oak characteristics. It should last for 25+ years. (96+)
Score: 96.
—Robert Parker,
December
2005.
Wine Enthusiast
Right up there with the best of the ‘01 Napas. Smooth and polished, with a velvety mouthfeel that conveys cherry and blackberry flavors, without heavy extract. Oak plays a supportive role. The overall impression is of elegance, power and extreme balance. The tannins are soft enough for immediate drinking, yet should protect this wine through at least 2015.
Score: 95.
—Steve Heimoff,
March
01,
2005.
Wine Spectator
Enticing aromas of currant, mocha and stone carry over to the palate, giving it a decidedly minerally edge. But those pebbly notes give it a unique flavor profile and it's supported by firm, chewy tannins. Best to decant now. Best from 2007 through 2012.
Score: 92.
—James Laube,
October
31,
2005.
International Wine Cellar
($175; like the 2002 Insignia, this was bottled in January of this year) Good medium ruby. Cassis, kirsch , menthol and roasted herbs on the nose. Rather muscular on the attack, then dense, lush and highly concentrated in the middle, with a deep core of dark fruit and bitter chocolate flavors. In comparison to the Insignia, this is a more rustic style of wine, but the concentration of phenolic material is impressive, and this 2002 is finer than the 2001 release. Finishes with excellent length and youthfully tough tannins, but does not build on the back end with quite the same subtlety as the Insignia. I'd wait a good six or seven years on this wine. The Backus vineyard, located across the valley from Harlan Estate, is now farmed biodynamically. The 1999 release was the last vintage entirely from vines planted in 1975; Phelps began replanting the vineyard in '97 and '98, after buying it in '96.
Score: 92.
—Stephen Tanzer,
May
2005.
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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