2008 Opus One

2008 Opus One Napa Valley

93pts(IWC)Good red-ruby color.  Rather wild, nuanced nose combines blackcurrant, dusty brown spices, tobacco, mocha, leather and meat.  Juicy and energetic in the mouth, with enticing inner-mouth florality giving lift to the dark berry, licorice and bitter chocolate flavors.  Not a particularly dense or fruity style but boasts nicely integrated acidity and already displays a lot of personality.  Finishes with substantial but fine-grained tannins, a hint of licorice and excellent persistence.  Winemaker Michael Silacci noted that this wine features the highest percentage of petit verdot to date.  And he's convinced that co-fermenting it with the cabernet sauvignon diminished the natural. Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar May/June 2011

92pts(WS) Graceful and elegant, very understated and delicate, with floral, spice, mint, bay leaf, currant, cedar and tobacco notes that are complex and vibrant. Full-bodied, gaining on the finish, then firming and drying. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Drink now through 2021. 16,500 cases made. –James Laube Wine Spectator Web Only 2011

With Oakville Cabernet pulling the wagon on the blend, it’s no surprise to find a core of deep black fruits, licorice and cassis with sandalwood, cloves and baking chocolate notes lending a hand. Its lithe, muscular frame and ample fruit tannins promise a cellar run worthy of this wine’s reputation. 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec

Due to limited production, the maximum purchase of this wine is six bottles.