1985 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard

Community Tasting Notes (34) Avg Score: 91.9 points

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  10/4/2022 - Jeff Leve wrote: 90 Points

  Fading, but still fun to drink with all of its cigar box, tobacco leaf, green herbs, cedar, tangy blackberries and red currants. There is a nice medium/full-bodied, crisp, peppery, red currant note in the finish. Drink from 2022-2025.

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  5/8/2022 - adnorthup wrote:

  Wonderfully young. Fruit was full and red, loads of earth, nice slight eucalyptus note. Reminder of what California can truly be.

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  4/22/2021 - DaleW wrote:

  (mag) . Really needs the air in this format, big young wine, but rather lovely. Cassis, blackberry, truffles, coffee, spice. Long and complex. Wonderful showing. A-

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  4/19/2021 - dream Likes this wine: 96 Points

  Rather unyielding and coiled at first but with air and some grilled hanger steak, this really started to open and reveal stunning aromatics and flavors. Rich blue/black fruits combine with firm acidity and structure to produce an intense mouthfeel with great depth and power. The finish is incredibly complex with amazing dark spice notes that go on forever along with hints
  of eucalyptus and minerals. A fresh, vivid, utterly compelling aged Napa Cabernet that still has years of life left at least in magnum. 96+

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  12/24/2019 - Kemo Sabe Likes this wine: 94 Points

  A great old Cali Cab - the way they should all be made. Resolved but still plenty in the tank. Initially lots of cigar and tobacco. Spice box. After a couple hours of air there was more olive and olive tapenade. Constantly changing and evolving in the glass. Super fun and enjoyable. Stood up well to a 96 Cos Estournel in the next glass. Very complimentary bottles.

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View all 34 Community Tasting Notes

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