Joseph Phelps Backus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

"The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus (96% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Petit Verdot and Malbec) is absolutely fabulous. The wine has a bluish purple color to the rim and an extraordinary nose of graphite, spring flowers, blackberries, cassis, and espresso roast. A savory, full-bodied, powerful wine with great fruit, low acidity, and abundant tannin, it cuts a broad swath across the palate. This is a classic Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon. It should drink well for at least 20 years."

95 Points

The Wine Advocate

"It's impossible for a Cabernet to be richer, more opulent or more hedonistically stunning on opening than this beauty from veteran Phelps. Admittedly, there are significant tannins. But the wine delivers a broadside of the sweetest, ripest cassis fruit imaginable, along with richly toasted oak. It's the kind of Cab that will dazzle even an amateur. Absolutely gorgeous now, with immaculate elegance."

95 Points

Wine Enthusiast

"There is a strong sense of muscle and fruity mass about this bottling right from the start, and, while it is not cast in the tough and sturdy style that is often the norm from Backus Vineyard, the wine is every bit as rich and well-filled as any of its noteworthy predecessors. It shows a pronounced trim of milk chocolate and vanilla running its length, but it is driven first and foremost by a generous and wonderfully constant measure of juicy, currant and black cherry fruit. Slightly grippy tannins make an eleventh-hour appearance and warn against hasty drinking, and, even if delicious now, it is a wine that will only get better..."

95 Points

Connoisseurs' Guide

"A deep, rich, profound Cabernet, with ripe, plush currant, black cherry and ripe plum fruit that's well-focused, supple and harmonious. This is intense and powerful, yet elegant and refined, with amazing structure, depth and length."

94 Points

Wine Spectator

"Deep ruby. Inviting nose combines black cherry, licorice, tar, mocha and lead pencil. Lush, silky and compellingly sweet, with harmonious acidity for the year. Classic currant and cedar flavors are broad and thoroughly ripe without going over the top. Huge but shapely wine, finishing with captivating sweetness and noble tannins. A great vintage for this property. This was bottled in December of 2006, a bit earlier than recent vintages and obviously a good idea."

94 Points

International Wine Cellar