Benchmark Wines by
Joseph Phelps
The Winery
Joseph Phelps
Joseph Phelps has developed, over its long and successful history, into one of the most powerful wineries in the entire Napa Valley. This prestigious winery crafts three distinct Bordeaux- style blends including the flagship, Insignia, the exclusive wine club only Backus, and a Napa Valley Cabernet blend, among numerous other varietals. Their flagship wine, Insignia, is now recognized as one of the world’s great wines. Thirty-one of thirty-six vintages have been rated ninety or more points by various wine publications. The 2002 vintage was awarded “Wine of the Year” by Wine Spectator Magazine. The appearance, aroma and palate characteristics are most remarkable for their bold and vibrant expressions. Their level of excellence has persisted as the winery has expanded and developed over generations. Benchmark Wine Group invites you to taste for yourself the epitome of excellence.
Tasting Notes
- WE96
- Even at this price, most of the 400-case production is already snapped up. Nonetheless, this is great Cabernet. Incredibly plush, ultrafeminine, with all the bells and whistles of a hallmark wine. Flavors lean toward cherry, blackberry, plum, strawberry, toast, vanilla, anise, herbs, spice and chocolate. It's all couched in velvety, smooth tannins and a finish that doesn't stop. Cellar Selection
- WA90
- Readers will be amazed by the weight of the bottle in which the 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard is packaged. This 500-case cuvee of pure, unbridled, powerful Cabernet from the volcanic hillsides above Napa Valley boasts a dense purple color as well as a tight but promising bouquet of creme de cassis, minerals, loamy soil, and toasty oak aromas. While not the blockbuster it can be in such ripe vintages as 1997 or 2001, the 1999 possesses beautiful fruit, outstanding purity, and moderately high tannin. Even though it is not gigantic by California standards, it is a bigger wine than the 1999 Insignia.
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