Gorgeous aromas and flavors of mint and warm currant preserve, backed by hints of sage, dried cherry and musk. Nice tangy minerality and a subtle cedar streak lengthen the finish. At peak so drink now. 92 points.
I always found the Backus to be a worthy equal of Insignia, but it's obviously overshadowed by its sibling....
JM, I was thinking about trying a '99 in the next couple weeks. Any thoughts on how it might be evolving. It was pretty huge and tannic on release....but after 9 years at approx. 58f I'm getting antsy. Also trying to hold off on the '99 Insignia....it might be worth a try too.
Better Red Than Not!
Posts: 182 | Location: LA | Registered: Apr 22, 2003
Originally posted by James Molesworth: Haven't had the '99 Backus or Insignia recently....other '99s I've had though (Araujo, Etude), Dalla Valle) have been pretty drinkable...
James,
Funny you should mention the '99 Araujo, Etude, and DV, specifically -- I seriously love all three of those wines (with a particular fondness for the Araujo). I'm curious about your thoughts.
"What contemptible scoundrel stole the cork from my lunch?" -- W.C. Fields
M, I was thinking about trying a '99 in the next couple weeks. Any thoughts on how it might be evolving.
I had the '99 Backus about 2 weeks ago. A friend brought it over. Drinking quite well actually. Creme de cassis, tobacco, dark cherry, new saddle leather, and moderate tannins still holding on for further age. I don't see this improving much with time. It's a classicly styled CA Cab., but lacking any real fanfare. I would give it 92 pts. In fact the few Backus' I've had have never really blown me away, considering both the terroir and the price. I think this could be a far better wine than it is. IMHO...Insignia is without a doubt superior to Backus...both original older vintages like '74/'76 and newer years like '97/'02.
So much wine.....so little time!!!
Posts: 6780 | Location: San Francisco | Registered: Jun 20, 2002
Board-O: I'd think the '86 is about ready to go at this point. Slightly firmer vintage than '85...
Winetarelli: Regarding that trio of '99s, I think they're all drinkable now, but they will hold for another 5 years or so (though I don't see them improving much more)...I like the Dalla Valle for its loamy edge, the Araujo for its dark, lush fruit and the Etude for its polish...
