94 -96 points,

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, December 2003

Perhaps the greatest Backus made in the last decade, the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard (1,300 cases) includes a touch of Malbec and Petit Verdot (less than 2%) in the blend. A saturated black/purple color is followed by scents of incense, blackberries, creme de cassis, minerals, and assorted blue and black fruits. Powerful and full-bodied, with even sweeter tannin and more glycerin/opulence than the 2001, this sensational effort should be drinkable upon release, but age well for 15+ years.

96 points,

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, December 2005

The monster 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard is nearly 100% Cabernet Sauvignon (dollops of Petit Verdot and Malbec are included in the blend). Dense and full-bodied, it is nearly primordial in its concentration and brooding backwardness, and should only be purchased by those able to defer their gratification for 5-6 years. A huge wine, it exhibits black fruit, scorched earth, loamy soil, crushed rock, espresso roast, and new oak characteristics. It should last for 25+ years.

97 points,

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, February 2005

The 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard (about 1,150 cases) has taken on a far more singular character and was roaring compared to its broodingly backward taste of a year ago. Inky blue/purple in color with a nose of creosote, hot rocks, blackberries, and cassis as well as a distinctive mineral character, this highly concentrated, extracted 2002 boasts tremendous density, loads of tannin, and a monster finish. It should become elegant in time, but you would have to be a masochist to want to drink this wine before giving it 5-6 more years of bottle age. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025.

92 points,

Stephen Tanzer's IWC, May 2005

...Cassis, kirsch , menthol and roasted herbs on the nose. Rather muscular on the attack, then dense, lush and highly concentrated in the middle, with a deep core of dark fruit and bitter chocolate flavors. In comparison to the Insignia, this is a more rustic style of wine, but the concentration of phenolic material is impressive, and this 2002 is finer than the 2001 release. Finishes with excellent length and youthfully tough tannins, but does not build on the back end with quite the same subtlety as the Insignia...

95 points,

Wine Enthusiast, March 2005

Right up there with the best of the `01 Napas. Smooth and polished, with a velvety mouthfeel that conveys cherry and blackberry flavors, without heavy extract. Oak plays a supportive role. The overall impression is of elegance, power and extreme balance...

92 points,

Wine Spectator, October 2005

Enticing aromas of currant, mocha and stone carry over to the palate, giving it a decidedly minerally edge. But those pebbly notes give it a unique flavor profile and it's supported by firm, chewy tannins. Best to decant now. Best from 2007 through 2012. 800 cases made. (JL)

About Winery

In the late 60s, Joseph Phelps was running one of the largest construction companies in the U.S. when he won the bid to build Souverain Winery (now Rutherford Hill) located a few miles outside of St. Helena. Enamored with the beautiful Napa Valley and contemplating a career change, in 1973 he bought the 600-acre Connolly cattle ranch in Spring Valley, and began planting vineyards. The winery was completed in 1974 and that same year the first Syrah was made, the first grapes were crushed at the new facility and the first Insignia was produced. It was a period of unparalleled activity, creativity, ingenuity, entrepreneurship and risk-taking and it put Joe Phelps on the map of top Napa Valley wine producers.

Over the years, the goal of becoming 100% estate grown resulted in carefully planned acquisitions of prime vineyards in the Napa Valley. Today, the Phelps estate consists of the Spring Valley Home Ranch outside of St. Helena, Banca Dorada in Rutherford, Las Rocas and Barboza vineyards in Stags Leap, Yountville Vineyard in Oak Knoll, Suscol Vineyard in South Napa and Backus Vineyard in Oakville.

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