The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard boasts a stunningly pure nose of blueberries and blackberries with notions of toast and flowers in the background. Thefloral nature of the fruit only adds to the wine’s complexity. Full-bodied but civilized, this wine’s tannins can be borderline rustic, but that’s not an issue with this glorious, full-bodied, opulent 2007 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink it over the next three decades.. Joseph Phelps’ flagship wine, which they have been making for 36 years, is the Insignia, which boasts a remarkable track record. Phelps, always a visionary, was the first to recognize that a blend of grapes could be better than a single varietal cuvee. Phelps produces a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Backus Vineyard situated on the eastern slopes of the Oakville Corridor overlooking Screaming Eagle and Rudd Estate. Tel. (707) 963-2745; Fax (707) 963-4831

A stylish, elegant youngster, with vivid mocha-covered raspberry, blackberry, red and black licorice flavors. Full-bodied and notably complex, tight and focused, ending with a persistent beam of flavors and firm tannins, with a dash of tobacco and cedar. Best from 2011 through 2022. 1,200 cases made. -JL

2 Shows the Bacchus profile of ripe blackberry and cassis fruit, pure, strong tannins and exceptional balance. It’s a dry, classically structured Cabernet of enormous complexity and interest. So delicious now, it’s tempting to drink, but it’s way too young. This is a wine to cellar, and it should blossom over the next 20 years. ——S.H.(2/1/2011)—— 95