Backus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (1989)
SommeliAI Insights
A mature Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville's Backus Vineyard, offering complex flavors and a smooth finish.
About this wine
The 1989 Joseph Phelps Backus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon presents a deep ruby color, indicative of its age. On the nose, it offers aromas of ripe blackcurrant, mint, and subtle chocolate notes. The palate reveals a full-bodied wine with flavors of dark berries, complemented by hints of mint and chocolate, characteristic of the Backus Vineyard. The tannins are well-integrated, providing a smooth and lingering finish. This wine showcases the unique terroir of Oakville, known for producing some of Napa Valley's most distinguished Cabernets.
About the grape
Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape variety that emerged in 17th-century France from a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, has become a cornerstone of Napa Valley's wine industry. In the 1970s, Joseph Phelps Vineyards recognized the potential of this grape and began cultivating it in their Backus Vineyard, located in Oakville. The vineyard's unique combination of steep hillside slopes, western-facing exposure, and gravelly, well-drained soils creates an ideal environment for Cabernet Sauvignon, resulting in grapes with intense flavors and robust tannins. The 1989 vintage of the Backus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon showcases the distinctive characteristics imparted by this exceptional terroir.
Quick facts
- 🍇 The Backus Vineyard, located in Oakville, Napa Valley, is renowned for producing exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon wines.
- 🏡 Joseph Phelps Vineyards, established in 1973, is a family-owned winery known for its commitment to quality and innovation.
- 🍷 The 1989 vintage of Backus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is celebrated for its rich flavors and aging potential.
- 🌍 Cabernet Sauvignon, the grape varietal used, is one of the world's most widely recognized red wine grape varieties.
- 🌞 Oakville's terroir, characterized by its gravelly soils and favorable climate, contributes to the distinctive profile of wines from this region.
Palate profile
Producer
Joseph Phelps Vineyards was founded in 1973 by Joe Phelps, a former construction executive from Colorado, who transformed a 600-acre cattle ranch near St. Helena, California, into a renowned winery. In 1974, the winery introduced 'Insignia,' the first proprietary Bordeaux-style blend in California, marking a significant innovation in the state's wine industry. Over the years, Joseph Phelps Vineyards expanded its estate to include 525 acres across 11 vineyards in Napa Valley and the Sonoma Coast, emphasizing sustainable practices and land preservation. In 2022, the winery was acquired by Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH), integrating it into a global portfolio of luxury wine brands.
