Opus One Napa 1980

The tenacity of the colour is impressive, tawny around the edges, ruby red in the core with vibrant reflections. A little younger in feel than the 1979, still nuanced and gentle, with black cherry, black truffles, touches of mint and firm tannins, overall if feels impressively present and delivers excitement and joy, as it has every single time I have tasted this wine. Takes a beat on opening, and then the aromatics and flavours explode out of the glass, dominanted by rose petals along with gentle smoked caramel, tobacco leaf, raspberry puree, saffon strands, so melted together and utterly delicous. This is a piece of Napa history that is still talking and sharing. 10 days skin contact, winemakers Lucien Sionneau and Tim Mondavi.