1979 Opus One, Napa Valley, Bottle (750ml) [Rare First Vintage]

DR95 "At 40 years old, the colour here is still exceptionally dark, surprisingly so. On the palate, the more expected signs of evolution are certainly there in the form of incense, soft truffle and forest floor notes, but there is a richness to the spine, and this was one of the most enjoyable wines of the tasting. It held up over five hours in the glass, gaining in layers. Remarkable when you think this was the first ever vintage, made in a far more classic Bordeaux-type winemaking style than would be typical today, with just 10 days of skin contact to extract colour and tannins. Helped by the fact that 1979 was a perfect growing season until rains arrived in September during harvest. A clear sign that something special was underway. (Drink between 2019-2030)" JA for DR Sep 2019