2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard

More pure crème de cassis, graphite, crushed rocks, smoked tobacco, and violet notes emerge from the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard, and if the Insignia is the Chateau Margaux of the valley, this is a more Pauillac, Château Latour-like effort that brings incredible power, richness, and minerality. Dense purple-hued, full-bodied, and structured, it nevertheless holds onto the silky, elegant style of the vintage beautifully. It's certainly enjoyable today in a youthful sort of way, but it should hit prime time with another 5-7 years of bottle age and evolve for 25-30 years or more.

The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard is an attractive, mid-weight wine that can be enjoyed with minimal cellaring. There is lovely purity to the red-toned fruit and a good deal of grip too. The 2017 is a bit brighter and more nervous than Phelps fans are likely to expect, but that is just the personality of a year in which the fruit was picked a bit ahead of what might have been optimal ripeness. Blood orange, spice and mint accents add to that impression of vibrancy. All the 2017 needs is a few years in bottle to fully come together. (AG)

The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard is composed of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec and 4% Petit Verdot. It was aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Deep garnet-purple colored, it needs a little coaxing before it charges out of the glass with bold expressions of crème de cassis, boysenberries and black cherry preserves plus suggestions of cast-iron pan, violets, allspice and sandalwood with a touch of fragrant earth. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is absolutely packed with muscular black fruit preserves flavors, beautifully supported by finely grained tannins and lovely freshness, finishing with loads of mineral and spice fireworks. 1,700 cases were made.