Opus One Vertical

[KateMaine]

Hi,

Finally made it back here...this time of year is hectic.

Every one at the group was very interested in your opinions, I think they were just as interested in having the wines to see if they agreed with you or not. Most of these folks are in the wine trade one way or another, so I think they are quite well versed in what tastes right or wrong or what is great or what is not so great. I'm going to just list some of their comments on each year.

The 94

I think everyone was quite surprised with this one. It was spicy. tannin..light but firm. Some said, good to drink now, others said was just about ready to get to light. One seamless. One thought should wait 5 more years and maybe it would turn around. Very CA style.

95

Smell much smoother then the 94. Very French quality. Tastes smoother the 94, more refined, less tannin, very seamless. At peek. Lots of fruit. Can enjoy without food.

96

Perfect blance. Good now, also hold. Enjoy without food. Feels like chokecherry in mouth.

97

Color much darker. Tastes of mocha, cherry. Everyone liked this one and didn't think it to young but all agreed it would just improve with some more time. Fruity. Should have with food.

98

More alcahol smell,Lighter taste,Watery,Compared to the older bottles. But overall very pleasing.

99

Soft after taste. Very high chokecherry feel in mouth. Everyone thinks this is a great one to buy and save.

00

Soft taste,high chokecherry feel. Watery like the 98. Drinking pretty nice, very happy to drink even if tight and tannic, but all agree should wait awhile.

My favorite was the 95, was an easy choice for me. The group was fairly evenly split on the top three. Half liked 95...96...98. The other half liked 96...95...98.

All that said. I really just could not see what all the hoopla is about this wine. I know I've had as good or even much better for way less money invested. But, it was a wonderful experience. It was interesting to see all of the corks lined up in a row and see how with each year they just got darker and darker. Interesting to see how very different the wine can be from year to year. I'm very glad I was there.

We also had a mystery wine that turned out to be BV Tapistry 97. Low tannin, high alcohol, could easily age more , juicy. Much lighter the the Opus One.

Kate