2008 Opus One, Napa Valley, Bottle (750ml)
$450
96LP96JA95AG
Critic key
AG = Antonio GalloniLP = Lisa Perrotti-BrownJA = Jane Anson
Product Description
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
JA96 "Rich, deep and inviting plum colour, clear texture and concentration, this has really softened and opened up since I last tasted it in 2019, now full of energy and reserved power. This was the year that Bob Mondavi died, and that director Michael Silacci was working on introducing dry farming across the vineyard. Final year before Jean-Emmanuel Danjoy, viticulturist and assistant winemaker, returned to Bordeaux, where he is now winemaker of Mouton Rothschild. 100% new oak for ageing." JA for IB Jun 2025
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
JA96 "Rich, deep and inviting plum colour, clear texture and concentration, this has really softened and opened up since I last tasted it in 2019, now full of energy and reserved power. This was the year that Bob Mondavi died, and that director Michael Silacci was working on introducing dry farming across the vineyard. Final year before Jean-Emmanuel Danjoy, viticulturist and assistant winemaker, returned to Bordeaux, where he is now winemaker of Mouton Rothschild. 100% new oak for ageing." JA for IB Jun 2025
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