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Manage Subscriptions2010 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard
Cabernet Sauvignon
- USA
- California
- Napa Valley
- Oakville

























Community Tasting Notes 19
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stuartwh wrote:
January 14, 2023 - Fertittas with steak at lake
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ralaspech wrote: 93 points
January 4, 2023 - My note may be similar to others--nose of tobacco and dark ripe cabernet fruit. Tastes of blackberry compote and cassis and chocolate-covered plum with medium acidity and tannins which are well-integrated. Brooding and deep with a long elegant finish--as fruit dissipates, I get more tobacco and leather and tannins and cocoa. The fruit was muted on opening, but blossomed after 2 hours in decanter. 93+
1 person found this helpful Comment -
Darwine Likes this wine: 97 points
October 22, 2022 - A wonderful full bodied wine. Nose of cedar and tobacco and hints of chocolate and caramel. Flavors of dark fruit, black raspberry, plum and a cassis. Layered finish of dark fruit and chocolate notes which with the soft tannins and acidic balance was long and enjoyable.
2 people found this helpful Comment -
Darwine Likes this wine: 96 points
April 10, 2022 - Great full bodied wine. Nosecof leather and chocolate with dark fruit. Flavors followed nicely with lots of dark fruit and chocolate and vanilla. Finish was great, long lasting and full of chocolate and dark fruit with beautifully integrated tannis.
1 person found this helpful Comment -
msuwine wrote: 94 points
February 9, 2021 - It was a showdown of historic heavyweights in the 2010 vintage, with Spottswoode of St. Helena in one corner (c. 1982) and Joseph Phelps Backus of Oakville in the other (c. 1977). The wines are more alike than different, each offering rich fruit, grainy tannin, and plenty of years before they sleep. Still, the Spottswoode was the clear winner tonight, with just as much ripeness and complexity - but with a more elegant and refined mouthfeel.
- Backus. The heavier wine, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon offers a darker red in color and fuller in body. The aromas trend the same way, with heady notes of charcoal, blackberry, and gravel. The flavors are more deep, with notes of boynseberry, leather, and cocoa powder, with a tannic and earthy finish. 14.5% alcohol. Decant at least two hours, but it’s better to wait. 94 for now, with upside in 2023 or later.
- Spottswoode. Despite hailing from the northern (and warmer) portion fo the valley, this blend offers a more nimble and elegant interpretation of the vintage. Brighter red in color and a touch less full in body, the wine offers more aromas of blueberry, menthol, and dried herbs. The flavors are silky and light in the mouth, with notes of blueberry, black cherry, dark chocolate, and menthol, with an integrated, sweet, and silky finish. Blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. 14.5% alcohol. Decant at least three hours. 95+ for now, with upside in 2022 or later.
These are both fantastic wines that I would not turn down in a heartbeat, and each has miles to go before they sleep. Both are good, but the Spottswoode was better tonight.2 people found this helpful Comment
Pro Reviews 5
Add a Pro ReviewVinous
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By Antonio Galloni
2011 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: Terroir Matters - Updated (Nov 2013) (link)(Joseph Phelps Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard Oakville, Napa Valley) Subscribe to see review text.
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By Stephen Tanzer
May/June 2013, IWC Issue #168 (link)(Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard Oakville Napa Valley) Subscribe to see review text.
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By Antonio Galloni
2010 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: An Epic Vintage (Dec 2012) (link)(Joseph Phelps Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard Oakville) Subscribe to see review text.
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By Stephen Tanzer
May/June 2012, IWC Issue #162 (link)(Joseph Phelps Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard Oakville Napa Valley) Subscribe to see review text.
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By Antonio Galloni
New Releases from Napa Valley (Dec 2011) (link)(Joseph Phelps Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard Oakville) Subscribe to see review text.
Wine Definition
- Vintage 2010
- Type Red
- Producer Joseph Phelps
- Varietal Cabernet Sauvignon
- Designation n/a
- Vineyard Backus Vineyard
- Country USA
- Region California
- SubRegion Napa Valley
- Appellation Oakville
- UPC Codes 010465208903, 010465229908, 010465229922
Community Holdings
- Pending Delivery 0 (0%)
- In Cellars 2,192 (74%)
- Consumed 766 (26%)
Food Pairing
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Articles
- Wine2010 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard
- ProducerJoseph Phelps
- VarietyCabernet Sauvignon
- CountryUSA
- RegionCalifornia
- SubRegionNapa Valley
- AppellationOakville
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- Wine2010 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard
- FamilyJoseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard (add)
- ProducerJoseph Phelps
- VarietalCabernet Sauvignon
- VineyardBackus Vineyard (add)
- CountryUSA
- RegionCalifornia
- SubRegionNapa Valley
- AppellationOakville