Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard 2009

VM94-97: The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard sweeps across the palate with deep, expressive layers of dark red fruit, flowers, mint and crushed rocks. It comes across as supple, perfumed and relatively accessible for this wine. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029.

WA94+: The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard is very nicely balanced from start to finish. In this vintage, the Backus isn’t as overtly ripe as it can be. Hints of tobacco, crushed flowers, new leather and spices add complexity to the inky black fruit. Firm, powerful tannins suggest it will be years before the 2009 is ready to provide maximum pleasure. From time to time, the wine’s inner perfume and expressive black fruit show a glimpse of their potential, but the 2009 is a wine that begs for cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029.