1992 Opus One, Napa Valley, California
Appearance: deep purple-red colour with only slight signs of age on the rim.
Nose: very complex nose of French oak with cassis and blackberry fruit and aromas of leather and cedar.
Palate: superbly balanced in terms of acidity, tannin and alcohol, all of which are very well integrated. Great fruit concentration (the fruit is only partially mellowed in this bottle). Amazing length.
Conclusion: 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 3 % Merlot, this wine was kept for 17 months in new French oak. 1992 is meant to be a patircularly strong vintage for Opus One and this wine, it has to be said, was stunning. Usually, when Fongyee and I are faced with wines of this prestige we tend to wait to be convinced rather than have unduly high expectations that may be disappointed; but this is one of the best Bordeaux-blend wines we have ever had (Ridge's Monte Bello is definitely up there along with Grosset's Gaia too). A stupendous wine that still has quite a life ahead!
Rating: 19.5/20
Appearance: deep purple-red colour with only slight signs of age on the rim.
Nose: very complex nose of French oak with cassis and blackberry fruit and aromas of leather and cedar.
Palate: superbly balanced in terms of acidity, tannin and alcohol, all of which are very well integrated. Great fruit concentration (the fruit is only partially mellowed in this bottle). Amazing length.
Conclusion: 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 3 % Merlot, this wine was kept for 17 months in new French oak. 1992 is meant to be a patircularly strong vintage for Opus One and this wine, it has to be said, was stunning. Usually, when Fongyee and I are faced with wines of this prestige we tend to wait to be convinced rather than have unduly high expectations that may be disappointed; but this is one of the best Bordeaux-blend wines we have ever had (Ridge's Monte Bello is definitely up there along with Grosset's Gaia too). A stupendous wine that still has quite a life ahead!
Rating: 19.5/20
Labels: 1992, Baroness Philippine Rothschild, Bordeaux-blend, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Merlot, Napa Valley, Opus One, Robert Mondavi
posted by Wine Dragon
at
19:13
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