1999 Opus One

Crushed flowers, sweet tobacco, dried cherries and incense are some of the notes that take shape as the 1999 Opus One emerges from the glass. This is a decidedly mid-weight Opus One that should be enjoyed over the next few years. The 1999 doesn't have the opulence of the 1997 nor the energy of the 1998, rather it is a wine built on texture and balance, two highly admirable qualities, to say the least. In 1999 Opus One is 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot.

Spring rains reduced berry set. Indian summer much valued for late ripening. Cabernet Sauvignon 84%, Cabernet Franc 5%, Merlot 7%, Malbec 3%, Petit Verdot 1%. Skin contact 40 days, 17 months in new French oak. Quite purple and deep. Still quite simple on the nose. Quite tough and intense and reined in. Something quite sweet about this. Masses of acidity. Some coffee. Big, bold, and unevolved, but not a single corner or join in evidence. Smoothness itself. (JR)

While it is a big, rich effort, the 1999 Opus One exhibits a distinct earthiness as well as a sweaty saddle-like characteristic. It builds nicely on the attack and mid-palate, but finishes short, displaying hints of herbs, chocolate, and black currants. Drink this medium-bodied offering now and over the next 7-8 years. I tasted this wine twice, once at someone else’s expense, and once from a bottle I purchased in Napa. Both tastings were consistent. This wine gets my vote as one of Napa Valley’s most over-priced offering. Tel. (707) 944-9442; Fax (707) 948-2497