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

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1959 Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, A. Lahon
Appearance: deep orange-brown colour.

Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, A. Lahon 1959

Nose: savoury, botrytis nose, some raisined fruit still there, quite honeyed, slightly oxidized.

Palate: very good palate with surprisingly supple acidity and good length. Still some raisined fruit there.

Conclusion: This wine has survived remarkably for its age and would go really well with cheese (rather than a dessert). There was just a whiff of oxidation reminiscent of Madeira. A. Lahon is probabaly a negociant as this does not appear to be a chateau or domaine bottling. It’s probably made from Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc (as with Sauternes or Barsac), but it might be 100% Semillon (or could even include some Muscadelle). However, we cannot find any information on this wine for the moment. Fascinating.

Rating: 18.5/20

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