Opus One 2013

The greatest Opus ever. Terrific aromas of crushed black currants, blueberries and flowers with hints of sweet tobacco. Roses continue to exude opulence and class. Full body, superb balance of ultra-fine tannins and vibrant acidity. Complex aftertaste of black fruits and citrus fruit. Extremely persistent. So approachable now and enjoyable. But will be even better in 2019 and beyond. 79% cabernet sauvignon, 7% cabernet franc, 6% merlot, 6% petit verdot, 2% malbec. This will always be beautiful to drink.

The 2013 Opus One, a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Malbec, is a beauty. Velvety textured, without a had edge to be found, notes of crème de cassis, blueberry, subtle wood and floral notes gently rise from the wine’s dense purple color. Beautifully full-bodied and extraordinarily elegant and pure, this is certainly one of their great achievements over the last 37 years. The wine has an exquisite finish and can be drunk now or cellared for 25-30 years.

Picked September 5th to October 8th with 79% cabernet sauvignon, 7% cabernet franc, 6% merlot, 6% petit verdot, 2% malbec - this wine was raised for 18 months in new French oak barrels. An opaque ruby-purple colour in the glass, with an intense, deep nose of pure blackcurrant, lifted sweet vanilla and hints of clove and nutmeg. The palate shows incredible purity of ripe black fruit, blackcurrants and then black cherry and blackberry. The tannins, whilst a strong backbone to the wine, are incredibly refined. They add a ripe, mouthfilling texture at this young stage that shows the wine's ageing potential. Through the mid-palate there are smoky wood spices from the new oak that are in harmony with the concentrated fruit. This is incredible glossy, smooth and refined for a wine with such power and length - a true mid-Atlantic style that brings the best of both Napa and Bordeaux together. As with most 2013 Cabernets from California, this wine will be best after some good bottle age, but it is already very impressive.

79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, 6% Merlot, 2% Malbec. The product of 18 months in barriques and the same period in bottle before release. Dark crimson. Extremely intense and even savoury on the nose - much less obviously Napa than the multi-vintage Overture tasted immediately beforehand. This has real verve but also wonderfully supple tannins. Heady with an edge of iodine, this is the taste of luxury. (It's not difficult to imagine how much discussion between winemaker Michael Silacci of Opus and Philippe Dhalluin of Mouton went into this.) Drink 2016-2030

Red and black fruits, graphite, incense and incipient cedar meld together in a youthfully reserved bouquet that should blossom in bottle. On the palate the 2013 is more seriously structured than its polished 2012 sibling, framed by savory structural tannins. This is built for the cellar and is the latest in a string of recent successes. A blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot.