2018 JOSEPH PHELPS BACKUS VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON "Aromas of mint, dark berries and black olives follow through to a medium to full body with lightly chewy and layered tannins that are long and focused. Lots of black-olive and conifer undertones, yet it remains subtle. Very long." 97 Points "The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard is a blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 4% Malbec, aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak. Deep purple-black colored, it soars out of the glass with notes of plum preserves, baked black cherries and crème de cassis, plus nuances of pencil shavings, bouquet garni, crushed rocks and unsmoked cigars with a touch of cardamom. The palate is full-bodied and seductively rich, delivering mouth-coating black and blue fruit preserves with loads of exotic spice accents and a velvety texture, finishing long with a refreshing herbal lift." 96+ Points