The 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard (about 1,150 cases) has taken on a far more singular character and was roaring compared to its broodingly backward taste of a year ago. Inky blue/purple in color with a nose of creosote, hot rocks, blackberries, and cassis as well as a distinctive mineral character, this highly concentrated, extracted 2002 boasts tremendous density, loads of tannin, and a monster finish. It should become elegant in time, but you would have to be a masochist to want to drink this wine before giving it 5-6 more years of bottle age. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025.

Robert Parker | 97 RP

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Right up there with the best of the ‘01 Napas. Smooth and polished, with a velvety mouthfeel that conveys cherry and blackberry flavors, without heavy extract. Oak plays a supportive role. The overall impression is of elegance, power and extreme balance. The tannins are soft enough for immediate drinking, yet should protect this wine through at least 2015.

Wine Enthusiast | 95 WE

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(like the 2002 Insignia, this was bottled in January of this year) Good medium ruby. Cassis, kirsch , menthol and roasted herbs on the nose. Rather muscular on the attack, then dense, lush and highly concentrated in the middle, with a deep core of dark fruit and bitter chocolate flavors. In comparison to the Insignia, this is a more rustic style of wine, but the concentration of phenolic material is impressive, and this 2002 is finer than the 2001 release. Finishes with excellent length and youthfully tough tannins, but does not build on the back end with quite the same subtlety as the Insignia. I'd wait a good six or seven years on this wine. The Backus vineyard, located across the valley from Harlan Estate, is now farmed biodynamically. The 1999 release was the last vintage entirely from vines planted in 1975; Phelps began replanting the vineyard in '97 and '98, after buying it in '96.

Vinous Media | 92 VM

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