2000 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard Oakville (750ml)

"90 out of 100 - A new, elegant, yet heavy bottle (obviously designed to encourage lower back pain) was introduced with the 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard. Aged in 100% new Taransaud barrels, it exhibits a dense purple color along with a sweet nose of smoke, blueberries, blackberries, and cassis. Firmly tannic, rich, and medium to full-bodied, with a slight narrowing at the finish, this is an outstanding effort in a difficult vintage. It requires 1-2 more years of cellaring, and should keep for 12-15." - Robert M. Parker, Jr., Wine Advocate