Joseph Phelps – Backus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 – Oakville – Napa Valley

(93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec and 3% Petit Verdot) The nose is fruity, elegant, fine, well-built, relatively rich and offers concentration. On the palate this wine expresses notes of blackberry cream, cassis, Quetsche plum and fine notes of cherries combined with touches of liquorice, toasted oak as well as a few slight touches of caramelization, a hint of cardamom and discreet touch of coconut. The palate is fruity, gourmand, elegant, well-balanced and offers harmony, a mineral frame, a beautiful definition as well as a beautiful, suave and a bit silky matter. On the palate this wine expresses notes of plum jam, blackberry cream and touches of cassis associated with slight notes of wild strawberry, fine notes of chocolate (in the background) as well as discreet hints of sweet spice. Tannins are fine and well built. Good length. Beautiful harmony !