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Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Backus(2000)
- Winery:
- Joseph Phelps Winery
- Varietal:
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Region:
- USA > California > Napa > Oakville
- Type:
- Red Wine
- User Tags:
- smooth, color descriptors, deep, young, blueberry, bright, ericaceae, lush, dried, tobacco
BLEND & GRAPE SOURCES:
80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 6% Petite Verdot and 4% Malbec from estate-owned vineyards and independent growers.
WINEMAKING DATA:
Grapes were harvested between September 19 and October 25 at an average 24.° Brix, fermented in stainless steel tanks, then aged 20 months in a combination of new French and American oak barrels (40%) and two- to four-year-old French and American oak (60%), before being blended and bottled in June, 2002.
80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 6% Petite Verdot and 4% Malbec from estate-owned vineyards and independent growers.
WINEMAKING DATA:
Grapes were harvested between September 19 and October 25 at an average 24.° Brix, fermented in stainless steel tanks, then aged 20 months in a combination of new French and American oak barrels (40%) and two- to four-year-old French and American oak (60%), before being blended and bottled in June, 2002.
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7 0 - WineGuyBob
- Poughkeepsie, NY
- August 2007
- This has mellowed out nicely since I first tasting it a couple of years ago. Surprisingly good concentration from a tough vintage, with deep blueberry and tobacco aromas. Also, there's a wonderful upfront lushness on the palate. The only downside is that the finish is a little short.
- Stephen Tanzer
- International Wine Cellar
- Issue 108, May/June 2003
- 90/100
-
July 2007
- ($150; includes a small amount of juice from replanted young vines) Saturated bright ruby. Superripe aromas of roasted currant, black raspberry, dark chocolate, violet and musky coffee. Sweet on entry, then a bit clenched in the middle. This wine seemed quite large-scaled in barrel, but today I can't find the same breadth or depth. Showing a slight edge of acidity. Finishes with big, cheekcoating tannins.
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June 2007
- From a 540-foot elevated mesa which declines steeply to the valley floor, the 45-acre Backus Vineyard sits in the heart of the Oakville District, distinctive even among such august neighbors as Screaming Eagle, Dalla Valle, Tench and Vine Cliff. Picturesque and dramatic, the top of the vineyard is strewn with ancient Andesite boulders and cobbles which line the stream bed and contrast dramatically with the iron rich, brick red soil and meticulously tended vines which slope downward to the Silverado Trail. Phelps produced its first Backus Cabernet in 1977 from the original 6.75 acre block read more...planted on St. George rootstock in 1975. Further vineyard expansion occurred after purchasing the entire 45-acre parcel from the Backus family in 1996, and today a total of 21 acres are planted to vines. Today, it is our belief that Backus has earned its place among the Grand Cru vineyards of the world, and that the current release reflects this with its chocolate, berry and mineral-like flavors, soft tannins and silky, fat mouthfeel. (hide)
- Wine Advocate # 142
- Aug-02
- (90-92)
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April 2008
- Wine Advocate # 150
- Dec-03
- 90/100
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April 2008
