1997 Opus One, Napa Valley 1x75cl

JancisRobinson.com 17

82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 4% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot. Abundant sunlight in the previous vintage produced high fertility in the vine buds and a large crop in 1997, which Opus One thinned to the lowest per-acre yield in a decade. Though Napa Valley sustained rains in late August, Opus One s vineyards were unaffected, as warm winds dried the vineyards quickly. Harvest was early and very compact, lasting just 11 days. 32 days maceration. Aged for 18 months in new French oak.Richly crimson. Looks thick! Really ripe and powerful on the nose. Very sweet. Big and lacks the subtlety of some others. Just a little sickly. Bit of a bruiser. Falls away on the end. An exception. [19/05/2026]

Anticipated maturity: 2005-2030

Vinous 90

Full medium red, not particularly bright. Fully mature, slightly rustic aromas of plum, leather and cedary cigar box, with hints of game and veggies. Began savory and quite dry, even a little tart and spiky as if in decline, then gained in roundness in the glass, showing a somewhat darker fruit character. The brett suggestions faded with air but the greenness remained behind. Ultimately fairly suave in the middle palate but the initially fine-grained tannins turned a bit gritty with air. [Stephen Tanzer, 09/01/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2017-2023

Antonio Galloni 95

The 1997 Opus One tastes like it was made yesterday, not 16 years ago. One of the most opulent, racy wines in this vertical, the 1997 literally explodes from the glass. Juicy dark red cherries, menthol, tobacco and licorice all make an appearance as the 1997 opens up over time. Readers holding the 1997 are in for a thrill. Even though the growing season was defined by hot weather, a short maturation cycle and a large crop, the wine turned out beautifully. In 1997 the blend is 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 4% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot, a first for Opus One. [Antonio Galloni, 06/01/2013]

Anticipated maturity: 2013-2032

Wine Advocate 88

Now don’t get me wrong, 88 points signifies a very good to excellent wine. But in the context of the vintage, not to mention what this wine should be, this is a disappointment. The 1997 tastes as if it were made from yields that were too high. They may tell you it is elegant and complex, but, truthfully, there is not much depth, and the wine will have a relatively short lifeline of 10-12 years. A dark ruby color is accompanied by a complex nose of plums, black cherries, currants, smoke, and leather. The wine reveals more new oak than normal for Opus, as well as medium body, good depth, dry, hard tannins in the finish, and little weight or length. Drink this over the next 8-10 years. P.S. By the way, the price went up $20 and the quality has gone down. Tel. (707) 944-9442; fax (707) 948-2496 [Robert M. Parker, Jr., 23/12/2000]

Anticipated maturity: 2000-2010