1999 Joseph Phelps Vineyards Backus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville 1x750ml

Robert Parker 90

Readers will be amazed by the weight of the bottle in which the 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard is packaged. This 500-case cuvee of pure, unbridled, powerful Cabernet from the volcanic hillsides above Napa Valley boasts a dense purple color as well as a tight but promising bouquet of creme de cassis, minerals, loamy soil, and toasty oak aromas. While not the blockbuster it can be in such ripe vintages as 1997 or 2001, the 1999 possesses beautiful fruit, outstanding purity, and moderately high tannin. Even though it is not gigantic by California standards, it is a bigger wine than the 1999 Insignia. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2020. Tel. (707) 963-2745; Fax (707) 963-4831 [31/08/2002]

Anticipated maturity: 2006-2020

Vinous 92+

(bottled a month prior to my visit) Saturated ruby, with purple tones. Primary aromas of cassis, bitter chocolate, mocha, menthol and licorice, along with a peppery nuance. Cool, extremely primary black fruit flavors are not yet expansive but hint at the sweetness to come. Finishes with big, chewy tannins and excellent persistence. [Stephen Tanzer, 05/01/2002]