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2017 Joseph Phelps Backus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Removed from a temperature and humidity controlled wine storage unit; Purchased direct from winery; Consignor is original owner

Ends Sunday, 7pm Pacific

RATINGS

96+ The Wine Advocate

...bold expressions of crème de cassis, boysenberries and black cherry preserves plus suggestions of cast-iron pan, violets, allspice and sandalwood with a touch of fragrant earth. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is absolutely packed with muscular black fruit preserves flavors, beautifully supported by finely grained tannins and lovely freshness, finishing with loads of mineral and spice fireworks.

96+ Jeb Dunnuck

...pure crème de cassis, graphite, crushed rocks, smoked tobacco, and violet notes...Château Latour-like effort that brings incredible power, richness, and minerality. Dense purple-hued, full-bodied, and structured, it nevertheless holds onto the silky, elegant style of the vintage beautifully.

95Wine Spectator

Well-packed, featuring a range of steeped red and black currant fruit entwined with menthol, sage and tobacco notes, carried by an alluring swath of warm loam.

95James Suckling

Very flamboyant for the vintage with crushed blueberries, blackberries and flowers. Full and very rich with layers of fruit and tannins, which then pull back at the finish. Excellent wine with lots of polished tannins.

94Vinous / IWC

...attractive...lovely purity to the red-toned fruit and a good deal of grip... Blood orange, spice and mint accents add to that impression of vibrancy.

REGION

United States, California, Napa Valley

Napa Valley AVA is the most famous winemaking region in the United States and one of the most prestigious in the world. With nearly 43,000 acres of vineyards and more than 300 wineries, it is the heart of fine wine production in the United States. Winemaking started in Napa in 1838 when George C. Yount planted grapes and began producing wine commercially. Other winemaking pioneers followed in the late 19th century, including the founders of Charles Krug, Schramsberg, Inglenook and Beaulieu Vineyards. An infestation of phylloxera, an insect that attacks vine roots, and the onset of Prohibition nearly wiped out the nascent Napa wine industry in the early 20th century. But by the late 1950s and early 1960s Robert Mondavi and other visionaries were producing quality wines easily distinguishable from the mass-produced jug wines made in California’s Central Valley. Napa Valley’s AVA was established in 1983, and today there are 16 sub-appellations within the Napa Valley AVA. Many grapes grow well in Napa’s Mediterranean climate, but the region is best known for Cabernet Sauvignon. Chardonnay is also very successfully cultivated, and about 30% of the AVA’s acreage is planted to white grapes, with the majority of those grapes being Chardonnay,

TYPE

Red Wine, Cabernet Sauvignon

One of the most widely grown grape varieties, it can be found in nearly every wine growing region. A cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a hardy vine that produces a full-bodied wine with high tannins and great aging potential.