A dark, implosive wine, the 2005 Opus One comes across as brooding and very much closed in on itself. Tar, graphite, menthol, licorice and plums inform the powerful, structured finish. This is the most massive, tannic Opus One in recent memory. The blend is 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec.
Opus One was founded as a joint venture between Mouton Rothschild and Robert Mondavi, and in 1984 released its first vintage, the 1979. It has since become an international success and a landmark winery in Napa. Comprised of 169 acres of vineyards in Napa Valley, they produce a luxury Bordeaux-style blend.