The 2007 Opus One is clearly aimed at the Bordeaux aficionado, offering a balance of dark fruits with spice and floral flavors, all with a balance of acid and tannins that suggest long cellar life. The primary fruits are dark and soft, elderberry and mulberry, with cassis as an additional, rather than leading, fruit flavor. The dark fruit flavors are deepened by the tastes of espresso and unsweetened chocolate, and counter-balanced by a touch of tobacco from the Cabernet Franc, less obvious on the palate than the nose, but still noticeable. Secondary flavors come out on the mid-palate, nutmeg, rose and a touch of violet. Tannins are very sweet, the finish lingering. This is very good, but comes quite dear. Find a cozy place in the cellar and give it time, at least ten years, for those teasing secondary flavors to come forward, and for the different wines in the blend to settle down and get to know each other better. Drink it with lamb and someone who will appreciate it.
WHO: Opus One
WHAT: 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec
WHERE: Napa Valley, California
WHEN: 2007
HOW MUCH: $220
