Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard 2011

VM95-98: The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard boasts a nearly eternal finish. Today, the flavors are understandably quite primary, but it is the wine's texture that impresses most. Backus fans will not want to miss the 2011. It is an exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon and without question one of the wines of the vintage. Raspberry jam, cloves, pomegranate, mint and rose petals linger on the close. Readers who want to know what great terroir is in Napa Valle might want to check out this exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2011 is 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec. Only two of the six parcels were used in 2011.

WA91-93: Many consumers may end up preferring the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard over the 2010 because the vintage produced such forward, precocious, soft wines. Where well-made, they possess plenty of endearing fruit and charm, but they do not have the tannic clout of great vintages such as 2010. A blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec, it came in at 14.2% alcohol, but production is a small 800 cases. The bouquet includes attractive notes of scorched earth, chocolate, espresso roast, red and black currants and hints of underbrush and earth. Full-bodied (unusual for a 2011) with soft tannins and loads of fruit, it should drink well for 10-15 years.