Reviews & Scores
Deep and rich dark ruby in colour, clear liquorice and crushed black olive notes. A long cool growing season (the longest in a decade, after an early budbreak but cool summer and extended hang time), and they took advantage of the rich, elongated tannins by going with a full 43 days skin contact. 1% Malbec completes the blend, first time that this grape has been present in the blend, and it gives its customary spice even at this tiny amount. (JA) - DC
DC95September 2019
What a pleasure it is to taste and drink the 1994 Opus One. Far better than a bottle I had last year, this bottle is absolutely terrific. Voluptuous, sexy and layered to the core, the 1994 races across the palate with superb depth and pure class. (AG) - VM
VM96October 2014
Very long, cool growing season led to highly regarded vintage. Cabernet Sauvignon 93%, Cabernet Franc 4%, Merlot 2%, Malbec 1%. Skin contact 43 days, 18 months in new French oak. Slightly pale with an even paler rim. Sweet cherry-chocolate aromas. Rather simpler than the 1993 on the nose, in fact. Then it took on a certain minerality. Big and bold and chewy finish. Very graceful. Not a bruiser. Quite elegant. - JR
JR18.5September 2004
This is an impressive effort from Opus One. The wine, a blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot, and 1% Malbec, possesses a dark ruby/purple color, followed by a generous, complex nose of lead pencil, toasty oak, violets, and black currants. In the mouth, there is a beautiful texture, soft, generous, low acid, full-bodied richness, and a stunningly proportioned, rich, intense finish. The influence of 18 months in new French oak casks gives the wine a subtle oaky note in addition to giving it excellent delineation. (RP) - WA
WA92