Opus One Napa 1981

Less bristling with life than the previous two vintages, with a touch of earthiness on the nose, although the colour is deep. Soot, smoked earth, tobacco on the opening aromatics, followed up by strawberry puree, charcoal, liqourice root, walnut, forest floor. Still showing fine tannins and a structure that extends its limbs and luxuriates in taking its time. A vintage that saw early bud break, and an early harvest, with warm temperatures overall. 10 days skin contact, winemakers Lucien Sionneau and Tim Mondavi.