2007 Joseph Phelps, Backus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville 1x750ml

Vinous 92+

Full ruby. Plum liqueur and chocolate on the nose. Supple on entry, then quite backward in the middle, showing a restrained sweetness and a distinctly savory character. Finishes with substantial toothcoating tannins. Essentially suave wine but in need of at least five or six years of cellaring. [Stephen Tanzer, 01/05/2010]

Robert Parker 97

The finest of this trio is undoubtedly the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard, a blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot, and 3% Malbec. Explosive aromas of black currant and blackberry fruit intermixed with crushed rocks, acacia flowers, and hot earth jump from the glass of this inky/blue/purple-tinged Cabernet. There is superb density, a full-bodied, multidimensional mouthfeel, an expansive, savory mid-palate, and a dazzlingly long finish with high, but sweet, ripe tannins. This is a seamless example of Cabernet Sauvignon at its finest. It should be drinkable when released, and age effortlessly for 3+ decades. (Not yet released) (Released, and age effortlessly for 3+ decades. ) The Freestone Vineyard, a 100-acre, cool climate site planted on the Sonoma Coast by Joseph Phelps, is finally coming into production, offering consumers a bevy of different Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. There are three Chardonnay offerings, all of which emphasize the minerality and citrusy characteristics of this varietal with little intrusive oak, despite the fact that they are barrel-fermented and aged primarily in new French oak. The Cabernet Sauvignon program consists of three wines, the Cabernet Sauvignon, their famous proprietary red wine called Insignia, and their single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from the western hillsides of Oakville, called Backus. The regular Cabernet is a solidly made, reliable effort usually comprised of about 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot, Petit Verdot, and occasionally Malbec. The single vineyard offering comes from Oakville’s Backus Vineyard. There are typically 1,500-2,500 cases produced from this biodynamically farmed vineyard. Tel. (707) 963-2745; Fax (707) 963-4831 [12/22/2008]