2015 Joseph Phelps, Backus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville 1x750ml

Vinous 97

The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard is in great shape today. Racy and layered in the glass, the 2015 offers up an exotic melange of dark red/purplish fruit, cedar, licorice, cedar, sweet pipe tobacco and incense. This, too, has aged very well. Backus handled the challenges of this stressful growing season with aplomb. [Antonio Galloni, 01/11/2025]

Anticipated maturity: 2025-2035

Robert Parker 97

The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard is made up of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec and 6% Petit Verdot aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak. It has a deep garnet-purple color and quite a savory/meaty nose over a core of baked plums, warm cassis, redcurrant jelly and mulberries with touches of rosemary roasted lamb, truffles, underbrush and charcoal with a touch of lavender. Full, rich, concentrated and oh-so-decadent in the mouth, the palate delivers super intense black fruit and savory layers with a rock-solid frame of grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and mineral laced. 1,200 cases produced. [Lisa Perrotti-Brown, 07/12/2018]

Anticipated maturity: 2022-2050