2007 Opus One Napa Valley Meritage

JD96 I loved the 2007 Opus One, which certainly brings another level of richness and opulence compared to previous vintages. Cassis, lavender, dried flowers, and cedar are just some of its nuances, and this full-bodied, deep, velvety, uber-sexy 2007 is drinking perfectly today. It shows the ripe, up-front style of the vintage while staying nicely balanced.

RP95 With a new winemaking team in place, and no longer any influence from the Mondavis, it is ironic that Opus One appears to have produced its greatest trilogy of vintages (2005-2007) to date. This wine has always been more about sizzle than substance. While some top wines have emerged, others have been riddled with brett as well as lacking in concentration. That accusation can not be made against any of these three vintages. A wine that may approach the prototypically perfect idea of what Opus One wants to be is the 2007, it has the potential to be the finest Opus One ever made since the first vintage in 1979. Production was down by at least 20%, and the result is a wine with extraordinary concentration of creme de cassis intermixed with cedarwood, and spice box. One of the strongest wines ever made here, this 2007 has terrific black currant fruit, licorice, incense, and subtle smoke, an opulent, even voluptuous mouthfeel, dazzling purity and texture, and a skyscraper-like mouthfeel. This is a sensational Opus One, with sweet tannin and impressive precision and depth. It reveals dazzling purity of fruit on the attack and mid-palate, builds to a full-bodied, sumptuous mouthfeel, and closes with a long, 50+ second finish. It can be drunk now or cellared for 25+ years. Drink now-2039.