As a long-time follower and admirer of Joseph Phelps Cabernets, I have been extremely disappointed by vintages since 1987. In fact, the 1987s, which were so promising from the barrel, had absolutely no bouquets when they were released. They appeared to have been sterile filtered and/or excessively processed at bottling, removing much of the richness they had possessed in the barrel. Except for the 1991 Eisele, these 1990s and 1991s appear to be the best efforts from Phelps since the 1986s. There is no separate 1990 Eisele Cabernet bottling, but the 1990 Backus Vineyard possesses the big, minty, chocolatey nose typical of this vineyard, full-bodied, ripe, unctuous, chewy flavors, plenty of tannin, and a spicy, lush finish. This potentially outstanding wine should be drinkable several years before the 1991.

As a long-time follower and admirer of Joseph Phelps Cabernets, I have been extremely disappointed by vintages since 1987. In fact, the 1987s, which were so promising from the barrel, had absolutely no bouquets when they were released. They appeared to have been sterile filtered and/or excessively processed at bottling, removing much of the richness they had possessed in the barrel.Except for the 1991 Eisele, these 1990s and 1991s appear to be the best efforts from Phelps since the 1986s. There is no separate 1990 Eisele Cabernet bottling, but the 1990 Backus Vineyard possesses the big, minty, chocolatey nose typical of this vineyard, full-bodied, ripe, unctuous, chewy flavors, plenty of tannin, and a spicy, lush finish. This potentially outstanding wine should be drinkable several years before the 1991.