Opus One Napa 1984

Vibrant ruby red, dark cherry fruits, still with evident structure and tannic architecture. Traces of bitter almond, juicy blackcurrant and blackberry fruits, and a complex interplay of truffle, liqourice, blue cheese salinity, dried flowers. This is more austere than the 1983, but with so much life ahead of it, and a sense of momentum as it builds through the palate. Abundant sunsine and early harvest, early budbreak, this was the shortest growing season on record at the time. 17 days skin contact, winemakers Lucien Sionneau and Tim Mondavi.