Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard 2014

WA96+: Bottled in January 2017, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard is a blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Malbec and was aged in 100% new French oak. It has a deep garnet-purple color and is scented of blackberries, black cherries and kirsch with nuances of dark chocolate, espresso, sautéed herbs, dusty earth and cedar. Full-bodied, big, rich and densely packed with red and black fruits, it has a wonderful frame of fine-grained tannins and great freshness, finishing long with some exotic spice notes coming through. 1,900 cases were made.

JD96: The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard (there's 4% Malbec in the blend) is a more opulent, hedonistic, and sexy wine compared to the Insignia and offers awesome notes of crème de cassis, earth, blackberries, toasted spice, graphite and truffle. With a full-bodied, opulent profile, ripe tannin, and a stacked mid-palate, it's one of those wines that has the richness and fruit profile to deliver incredible pleasure in its youth, yet the balance and depth to keep for 2-3 decades.