The top 2011s were always gorgeous. Today, with the added benefit of bottle age, the best 2011s are showing especially well. The 2011s are intensely aromatic and savory to a degree that was uncommon a decade ago. -Antonio Galloni

95 points - 2011 Joseph Phelps Insignia
The 2011 Insignia is superb. Deep, layered and so expressive, Insignia is without question one of the wines of the year. Had I tasted it blind, I would have never guessed it was a wine from a challenging year. Still fresh and vibrant, the 2011 is such a pleasure to taste today. Hints of sage, tobacco, spice, menthol and pine add lovely aromatic top notes to a core of inky blue/purplish fruit. The 2011 has turned out even better than I had originally expected.

96 points - 2011 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon, Backus Vineyard
The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard is a wild, exotic wine. In 2011, this fruit was picked very late, at the end of September, and that results in a wine that is decidedly ripe in its fruit profile. The more savory qualities typical of the year add layers of aromatic presence. Blackberry jam, crème de cassis, chocolate and cloves linger on the soft, plush finish. The 2011 is a decidedly exotic Backus.

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