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.

www.josephphelps.com

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Tasting Notes

WE97
Price be damned, this is an authentically gorgeous, important Cabernet Sauvignon. It calls to mind the amazing 2001, with its huge, perfect tannins and acids and artistic appliqué of new oak. But the star of the show surely is the fruit. Mounds of ripe blackberries and cherries pile up, veering into currants and cassis and something wild and decadently animal, like charred meat. Fabulous now despite the firm tannins, and should evolve for many years.
WA94
The dense 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard (93% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Petit Verdot and Malbec) offers sweet creme de cassis aromas interwoven with scorched earth, espresso roast, and licorice. Full-bodied as well as elegant with sweet tannin, gorgeous purity, and admirable depth, this effort has developed beautifully since I tasted it last year. It appears to have 25 or more years of aging potential.

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Rare Wines, Serious Collectors

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