2016 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard

Community Tasting Notes (6) Median Score: 96 points

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  6/17/2023 - Bblanck wrote:

  Pace steakhouse

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  3/12/2023 - RedMeat wrote: 97 Points

  What BestDamnCab said... My first Insignia was the '96 which I purchased in '99, although I later tasted the '95. The '96 was consumed shortly after purchase (for $69) although it had a long decant. It was served at a blind tasting of ten cabernets, tasted in random order by about 20 of my coworkers. It changed my view of wine entirely and made me a cabernet devotee. The depth and richness of the wine was stunning, although later in my wine journey I grew to appreciate the balance and complexity that aging cabernet nurtures. I've tasted most every Insignia from 1995 to 2019 with impressions ranging from outstanding to classic, but I had never tasted a Backus until the Member Appreciation event that BDC mentioned. I was there, too. I'm long into my wine journey and am not easily impreseed, but the 2016 Backus... blew... me... away. I love the Insignia blend, but this is the essence of California cabernet. The mouth feel, the texture, the deft weight, the cherry, violets and chocolate. Silky. Don't recall mineral/earth, but I assume it added to the dazzling complexity that enticed you for another and another sip. Young by experts' assessments, but can a wine possibly improve over this? If so, 100 points are within grasp. Found it the next day on the secondary market for considerably less than what Phelps was parting with it that day. Simply magnificent. I'm currently eying the '13, '14 & '15 at auction. Bravo Phelps!

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  5/21/2022 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 97 Points

  Phelps Customer Appreciation Day 2022 (Joseph Phelps Vineyards, Napa Valley): At Phelps Customer Appreciation Day. From magnum, nose of black forest cake, black berry, kirsch, and a touch of mint, intense floral nose and intense concentration on the palate, same on the palate, needs 4 years in the cellar, and probably merit 100 points, subdued, sublime, and rich tasting, almost elegant, very soft, silky tannins on the midpalate, and long finish. Retail $1440 magnum and $850 bottle.

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  3/28/2020 - Order66 wrote: 85 Points

  Somewhat better than the 2016 Insignia. Still lots of oak, vanilla and brown sugary ripeness. Almost raisin-y. Hopefully it’ll integrate over time, but I’m not holding my breath.

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  2/4/2020 - CJM wrote: 96 Points

  Clear deep garnet with no rim browning. Toasted oak, cigar box, black plum. Very low acids, medium to high tannic. White pepper. Long slightly tannic finish. Tasting room.

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