2006 Joseph Phelps Backus

[TheEngineer]

I've never really got this wine. I mean I like it but it is a very different wine than its stable mate Insignia. I like Insignia. I'm not sure I like Backus as much. Its a more focused wine which I usually like and its a more structured wine which I ususally like, more elegant,etc,...

So why don't I like this wine...I think it has to do with the pricetag. For $300 I can get a bordeaux like a $200 Pichon Longueville, another very expensive bottle, but I would prefer the Pichon.....I could find $100 bottles in Bordeaux that I would prefer more...not that they are better but they at least perform as well. So I guess it does go down to value. This wine should not be more expensive than what I perceive to be its competition.

But nonetheless, this wine is very nice, slightly reserved nose, elegant, good structure graphite, blackberries, nicely integrating oak, wines is bright and translucent. Lovely if somewhat expensive.

[winoweenie]

I take it Eng you're talking restaurant pricing. The Backus is slightly cheaper on release than the Insignia. A friend of mine who's downsizing his entire life has the 2003 thru the 2006 Backus for sale at between 179 to 209 per and the cellaring has been immaculate. I personally love both bottlings but lean a tad 'tward the Insignia. WW

[TheEngineer]

WW,out here on the FAR east coast, the wines are going for between $275 and up for the current vintage. That is what I'm using as a comparo, I agree, nice wine but I prefer the Insignia as well. Having said that I would never turn down a glass