2006 Joseph Phelps, Backus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville 1×1.5L

Robert Parker 94

The single vineyard 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard from the Oakville Corridor is a monster. A 1,100-case blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Petit Verdot and Malbec, it is bursting with aromas of charcoal, scorched earth, barbecue smoke, lead pencil shavings, graphite, cassis, blackberries, and oak. Dense purple to the rim and very closed, this is a big, muscular, full-bodied effort meant for serious long-term aging. Its potential is extraordinary, but I wouldn’t want to touch a bottle for 5-8 years. It should last for three decades or more. In case you think the aging curves I have described are unrealistically long, I have the Joseph Phelps regular Cabernets from the mid-seventies as well as the Insignias in my cellar, and those wines are still drinking beautifully at 30+ years of age. Today’s wines are better made. Tel. (707) 963-2745; Fax (707) 963-4831 [Robert M. Parker, Jr., 22/12/2009]

Anticipated maturity: 2014-2044

Vinous 92+

(bottled in January of ’09) Bright ruby. Superripe aromas of cassis, graphite and mint. Sweeter and more aromatic in the mouth than the Insignia, showing a finer-grained texture and more early finesse. A rocky character and enticing violet perfume lift the middle palate, but the substantial tannins currently cut off the wine’s finishing fruit. This will need patience. [Stephen Tanzer, 05/01/2009]