1987 Joseph Phelps "Backus" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The ’87 Phelps Backus is a good, solid and succulent cabernet that is fully mature and drinking very well. The nose is classic Phelps, offering up notes of mint, sweet cassis, chocolate, tobacco and vanillin oak. On the palate the wine is fullish, complex and easy-going, with only modest depth at the core, but good length on the mature and juicy finish. A fully mature ’87 cabernet that has aged gracefully and is very tasty to drink (a relative rarity in this vintage).

Bright ruby-red. Pungent raspberry, chocolate and eucalyptus on the nose. Slightly dry and dusty in the mouth, with a flavor of licorice and penetrating acidity. (ST)