2008 Opus One, Napa Valley, Bottle (750ml)

LP96 "Deep garnet in color, the 2008 Opus One needs a little swirling to unlock notes of Morello cherries, black raspberries, and blackcurrant preserves, followed by suggestions of Indian spices, potpourri, and Jasmine tea. The full-bodied palate has a firm backbone of grainy tannins and bold freshness supporting the densely laden black fruits, finishing with great length and wonderfully perfumed." LPB for TWI Jan 2023

DR96 "Closed and tight right now, there are clear bright and well-defined cassis notes but those tannins still have grip and attitude, and it is pretty clear that a full ten years in bottle is not always enough to fully soften Opus. This vintage saw a very low yield, two tonnes instead of the usual four, due not only to the heat spell in September but also because it was the last year of an irrigation programe where they were restricting water to drive the roots further down into the soil. 1% Malbec, 8% Petit Verdot completes the blend." JA for DR Sep 2019

AG95 "A gorgeous wine, the 2008 Opus One is just beginning to enter its first plateau of maturity. The tannins have softened while the aromatics show lovely complexity as well as depth. Blueberry, blackberry, gravel, lavender, licorice, leather and dark spice notes all add character. The 2008 is an especially dark, somber Opus One, although the softening tannins make the wine approachable today. The blend is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec." AG Jan 2018