California
California is one of the most renowned wine regions in the world, known for producing exceptional wines that reflect the unique character of the region.
One of the most famous vineyards in California is the Napa Valley's Robert Mondavi Winery, which produces a range of high-quality red and white wines, including the Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, the Fumé Blanc Reserve, and the Chardonnay Reserve. The estate is committed to sustainable farming practices and is known for its focus on traditional winemaking techniques.
In California, there is also a strong focus on producing organic and biodynamic wines, with vineyards such as the Frog's Leap Winery and the Benziger Family Winery using these practices to produce exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region.
Overall, California is a region known for producing exceptional wines, with famous vineyards such as Harlan Estate, Dominus, Opus One, Screaming Eagle, Robert Mondavi and many others. With a focus on sustainable and organic farming practices, and a commitment to traditional winemaking techniques, wines from California are gaining increasing recognition and popularity among wine enthusiasts worldwide.
California
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(6x75cl) 2021Presenting the iconic Nickel Nickel Cabernet Sauvignon State Ranch 2021, a lauded creation from Napa Valley's coveted Yountville AVA region. Exemplifying the producer's dedication to single-vineyard bottlings, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were meticulously hand-selected for this vintner's masterpiece.
Renowned for their precision and devotion to expressing the vineyard's unique terroir, Nickel Nickel has once again proven their calibre. Benefiting from the vineyard's fertile, loamy soils, this 2021 vintage wooes with intense aromas of black fruits, accompanied by a backbone of velvety tannins and a persistent, nuanced finish.
Masterfully crafted, the Nickel Nickel Cabernet Sauvignon State Ranch 2021 navigates a fine line between power and elegance, promising an emotive experience for discerning oenophiles. This wine is the quintessence of classic Napa Valley Cabernet, a sublime expression of the region's world-class viticulture, and a testament to Nickel Nickel's unwavering commitment to quality.
Inc. VAT£845.77 -
(12x75cl) 2018Vinous (96)
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder is bright, sensual and impeccably balanced. Red berry fruit, blood orange, sweet spice, tobacco and rose petal accents all build in a sensual, silky Mt. Veeder Cabernet that delivers tons of class. The 2018 is a gorgeous wine and every bit as impressive as it was last year .Inc. VAT£1,598.81 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (98+)
The 2021 Pinot Noir Bodega Ridge Vineyard is a wine of pure and total sensuality. Dark red/purplish fruit, orange peel, cinnamon, new leather, cedar and sweet pipe tobacco give the 2021 striking aromatic presence to play off its mid-weight personality. The 2021 Bodega Ridge is all class, but it is the most reticent of the wines today. It manages to bring together all the elements that define these wines, namely serious fruit concentration, backed by vertical, explosive structure.Inc. VAT£998.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (95)
A youthful deep ruby, the 2021 Pinot Noir Freestone-Occidental is highly expressive with wild lavender, kirsch, and fresh mountain herbs. Full-bodied, with youthful suppleness to its fruit at this stage, it has the same fantastic salinity that’s present across this whole lineup Occidental. Drink 2024-2034.Inc. VAT£459.12 -
Inc. VAT£420.40 -
Wine Advocate (94)
The 2023 Pinot Noir Freestone-Occidental is bursting with vibrant scents of red cherry, cranberry, black tea, conifer, pipe tobacco, saline and generous spicy nuances. The medium-bodied palate is bursting with layers of succulent fruit, and its expressive, earthy undertones are reminiscent of a coastal forest. It has a lacy frame of tannins, bright acidity and a long, tobacco-laced finish. It’s a touch more open than the rest of the 2023s and will be approachable sooner.Inc. VAT£411.49 -
(6x75cl) 2022Decanter (100)
I've tasted very few wines that feel as complete as the 2022 Occidental Cuvée Elizabeth. Like the 2021 vintage, it’s the most floral and ethereal in the lineup, but this new release reaches new heights. It comes from the estate Bodega Headlands vineyard, where the vines already tend to give tiny berries and low yields. With 2022 being such a warm vintage, the crop was even smaller than usual, making the flavours and aromas way more vivid. With a highly expressive nose, you get a beautiful bouquet of violets and wet lavender mixed with the scent of cool, damp soil. A dusting of baking spice and a clean, salty breeze root this wine unmistakably in the West Sonoma Coast. On the palate, cranberries, pomegranate juice, and wild berries blend into a juicy and lively core. Satin-fine tannins bring just enough structure without getting in the way of the wine’s elegant frame. Bright acidity lifts everything into a long, satisfying finish. It’s a wow-moment wine. Truly beautiful. Tasted from bottle E2021.Inc. VAT£597.49 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The 2021 Pinot Noir Running Fence Vineyard Cuvée Catherine offers tremendous energy and purity and will be long lived in the cellar. The nose features soaring scents of wild cherry, cranberry, bitter orange, hibiscus, graphite and botanicals. It floods the mouth with layer after layer of detailed, floral fruit. It has an haute couture structure, its powdery tannins and linear acidity seamlessly nestled into generous, nuanced flavors, and a tremendously long, dynamic finish.Inc. VAT£776.69 -
(6x75cl) 2022Jeb Dunnuck (97)
The 2022 Pinot Noir Running Fence Vineyard Cuvee Catherine is a deep ruby red hue and comes from a site behind the ranch at the top of the property. So pretty on the nose with notes of black raspberries and kirsch, it’s briny and savory with the sanguine brightness of orange oils and dark windswept herbs. Salty but entirely different, it’s marked by a pronounced signature of what this winery does, with power, compact brightness, and energy, as well as the umami richness and depth this wine delivers.Inc. VAT£597.49 -
The Olabisi Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon Double Top Secret 2009 is a divine exemplification of the Napa Valley's terroir. Expertly crafted by the acclaimed Olabisi Wines, it hails from the prestigious Howell Mountain. The grapes are diligently hand-sorted, ensuring unparalleled quality. This eloquent wine denotes a meticulous, artisanal production process. Aged for 22 months in exclusive French oak barrels, it showcases a splendid synergy of finesse and structure.
On the palate, it reveals layers of black fruit, amassed with complex layers of spice and earthy aromas. This opulent vintage portrays a suitable harmony of approachability and longevity, promising enchanting development over the next decade. Savour the Olabisi Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon Double Top Secret 2009, a quintessential embodiment of Olabisi's passionate dedication to crafting extraordinary wines. This limited-run offering is truly an unmissable treasure for fine wine connoisseurs world over.
Inc. VAT£2,968.01 -
(12x75cl) 2017Immerse yourself in the impeccable world of Zinfandel with 'Once Future Bedrock Zinfandel 2017'. This fine oeuvre is produced by Once Future, lauded as a fresh force in the wine industry thanks to its proprietor Joel Peterson's pioneering vision in harnessing old vines. This particular Zinfandel is a decadent spectacle from vineyards planted over a century ago in Sonoma County, California.
Crafted with a non-interventionist approach, this wine's intense character stems from the naturally concentrated, low yield grapes. Fermented spontaneously in wooden open-top containers and matured in neutral French oak barrels, the 2017 Zinfandel encapsulates the essence of this vintage with understated elegance. Its deep fruity nuances in sync with structured tannins and balanced acidity manifest in a full-bodied palate, heightening your senses with every sip. Discover the profound expression of Californian terroir in each bottle of 'Once Future Bedrock Zinfandel 2017'.
Inc. VAT£551.21 -
(12x75cl) 2017An extraordinary vintage, the Once Future Frank Block Teldeschi Zinfandel 2017 is an exquisite testament to winemaker Joel Peterson's dedication to traditional, handcrafted methods. Produced in the famous Dry Creek Valley of Sonoma County, California, the wine offers a unique, pure expression of this iconic region's Zinfandel grapes.
Peterson, renowned as the 'Godfather of Zinfandel', meticulously oversees each stage from vine to bottle. Aging the wine in French oak barrels elevates the intricate fruit notes into a harmonious blend. This Zinfandel presents a robust palate of dark berries, rich plum and indulgent hints of spice.
This limited-production wine displays a remarkable balance of depth and elegance. The Once Future Frank Block Teldeschi Zinfandel 2017 is a sought-after treasure for discerning connoisseurs seeking authenticity and sophistication. The careful attention to detail echoes through every sip of this gloriously luscious Zinfandel vintage.
Inc. VAT£551.21 -
(1x75cl) 1990Vinous (90)
The 1990 Opus One is another powerful wine built on a serious core of tannin and structure. There is plenty of richness in the glass, but a little less intensity and complexity than the best wines of this era. I imagine the 1990 will still be a delicious wine in another decade. The 1990 is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 3% Merlot.Inc. VAT£704.65 -
(6x75cl) 1992Vinous (90)
A mélange of dark raspberries, menthol, savory herbs and anise jump from the glass in the 1992 Opus One. The aromas are a little more advanced than the fruit, but the 1992 still has plenty of depth, richness and pure sensuality. Readers may want to give the 1992 a year or two to see if the tannins have a little more sweetness to give. In 1992 the blend is 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 3% Merlot.Inc. VAT£2,826.25 -
Wine Advocate (93)
Deep garnet-brick colour. Fragrant aromas of dried cranberries, prunes, cinnamon and cumin giving way to subtler earthy notes of leather and tar. A lot of discernable fruit remains on the palate framed by crisp acidity and a medium level of grainy tannins. Very long, layered finish. Drink now to 2018. Tasted April 2009.Inc. VAT£2,387.23 -
Wine Advocate (94)
This is one of the finest Opus Ones to date, offering a dark ruby/purple color, as well as a striking, intense bouquet of sweet licorice intermixed with blackberries, cassis, plums, and saddle leather. This seamless, full-bodied wine is more velvety-textured, opulent, and succulent than past vintages. The mid-palate is expansive and chewy. The long finish is filled with glycerin, ripe fruit, and sweet tannin. Drink this impressive, user-friendly yet richly concentrated effort over the next 15 years. Tel. (707) 963-1979; Fax (707) 944-9357Inc. VAT£567.20 -
(1x300cl) 1998Vinous (93)
Next to the 1997, the 1998 Opus One is naturally a bit slender, but it, too, boasts striking balance. Savory herbs, mint, licorice and plums are woven together in a fabric of notable class. Still young and vibrant, the 1998 is an excellent choice for drinking now and over the next decade. The focus, length and persistence are all super-impressive, especially within the context of a challenging vintage. The 1998 is 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 1% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot.Inc. VAT£1,694.14 -
(1x75cl) 2001Vinous (92)
The 2001 Opus One bursts from the glass with layers of opulent fruit. Still quite youthful, the 2011 impresses for its elegant, mid-weight personality. Compared to the best wines of this era the 2001 comes across as a bit forward. I imagine the 2001 will drink well for another decade or so, but it won't be super long-lived next to its peers. Still, there is plenty to like here. The 2001 is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 3% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.Inc. VAT£433.60 -
Vinous (92)
The 2001 Opus One bursts from the glass with layers of opulent fruit. Still quite youthful, the 2011 impresses for its elegant, mid-weight personality. Compared to the best wines of this era the 2001 comes across as a bit forward. I imagine the 2001 will drink well for another decade or so, but it won't be super long-lived next to its peers. Still, there is plenty to like here. The 2001 is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 3% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.Inc. VAT£2,457.58 -
(1x75cl) 2006James Suckling (95)
Sage and mint in the nose, it is Opus style. Full bodied and layered, with polished tannins and wonderful length. This is tight, but fascinating still. This wine has a good future, very juicy, and will only keep getting better. Don't touch this until 2014.Inc. VAT£569.33 -
Vinous (96)
There is so much to like about the 2007 Opus One. A wine that captures the essence of the year, the 2007 is exotic, flashy and striking. Kirsch, rose petals, pomegranates and spices form a fabric of compelling beauty. The 2007 is rich, sumptuous and generous, just as it should be. Threads of striking perfume are woven throughout, adding aromatic lift and pure sensuality. Readers who like more structured wines are likely to gravitate towards vintages such as 2010, but years like 2007 offer immense pleasure and an immediacy I find impossible to resist. A sumptuous, layered finish rounds things out in stunning style. The blend is 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec.Inc. VAT£2,412.31 -
Vinous (95)
A gorgeous wine, the 2008 Opus One is just beginning to enter its first plateau of maturity. The tannins have softened while the aromatics show lovely complexity as well as depth. Blueberry, blackberry, gravel, lavender, licorice, leather and dark spice notes all add character. The 2008 is an especially dark, somber Opus One, although the softening tannins make the wine approachable today. The blend is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec.Inc. VAT£3,220.78 -
Jeb Dunnuck (98)
The 2010 Opus One is on another level and is a deep, concentrated, full-bodied, flawlessly balanced beauty. From a cooler vintage that saw significant heat spikes later in the year, it has incredible purity in its cassis and darker fruits as well as leafy tobacco, flowers, and background oak. With a great mid-palate, ripe, building tannins, and full-bodied richness on the palate, it’s a brilliant wine that has another two decades or more of prime drinking.Inc. VAT£2,417.98 -
Jeb Dunnuck (98)
The 2010 Opus One is on another level and is a deep, concentrated, full-bodied, flawlessly balanced beauty. From a cooler vintage that saw significant heat spikes later in the year, it has incredible purity in its cassis and darker fruits as well as leafy tobacco, flowers, and background oak. With a great mid-palate, ripe, building tannins, and full-bodied richness on the palate, it’s a brilliant wine that has another two decades or more of prime drinking.Inc. VAT£2,287.18 -
Vinous (94)
The 2011 Opus One comes across as quite powerful and intense. Raspberry jam, rose petals, savory herbs and mint, all come together beautifully in the glass. The tannins are going to need a few years to soften, but the 2011 continues to develop very nicely in bottle. This is a very strong showing, especially within the context of the year. The 2011 is dark and even a bit rough round the edges, particularly when tasted alongside the surrounding vintages. The lithe, mid-weight, savory style is at times more Old World than New, yet all the elements are in the right place.Inc. VAT£2,150.75 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (100)
A legendary vintage at Opus, and this remains an extremely impressive wine at 12 years old. Expect black olive paste, bilberry and cassis, richly nuanced with juicy stone fruits and cherry pit, fragrant, still barely getting going, drawn out on the finish. A great example of a vintage that could be drunk now, and no doubt is being drunk by many collectors, but which will richly reward further patience. A note on my 100 point score by the way - this vintage is extremely different to the 2021, which also got my top score, so please be aware - this is exceptional opulence, whereas the 2021 is exceptional classicism. Harvest September 5 to October 8. 100% new oak for ageing, Michael Silacci director. 18 days skin contact.Inc. VAT£2,242.18 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (100)
A legendary vintage at Opus, and this remains an extremely impressive wine at 12 years old. Expect black olive paste, bilberry and cassis, richly nuanced with juicy stone fruits and cherry pit, fragrant, still barely getting going, drawn out on the finish. A great example of a vintage that could be drunk now, and no doubt is being drunk by many collectors, but which will richly reward further patience. A note on my 100 point score by the way - this vintage is extremely different to the 2021, which also got my top score, so please be aware - this is exceptional opulence, whereas the 2021 is exceptional classicism. Harvest September 5 to October 8. 100% new oak for ageing, Michael Silacci director. 18 days skin contact.Inc. VAT£2,044.18 -
James Suckling (97)
Mesmerizing aromas of flowers, bark, currants and blackberries. So perfumed. You just want to smell it. Exquisite tension and finesse with an almost Burgundian texture, yet it’s Napa in its soul with ripe fruit, stones, spices and Chinese tea leaf flavors. Savory and delicious. Drinkable but better in 2020.Inc. VAT£2,242.18 -
James Suckling (97)
Mesmerizing aromas of flowers, bark, currants and blackberries. So perfumed. You just want to smell it. Exquisite tension and finesse with an almost Burgundian texture, yet it’s Napa in its soul with ripe fruit, stones, spices and Chinese tea leaf flavors. Savory and delicious. Drinkable but better in 2020.Inc. VAT£1,942.18 -
James Suckling (98)
Purity and brilliance on the nose with so much currant and flower character. Roses, currant bush and fresh leaves, too. Brightness is the word that comes to mind. Full-bodied and broad-shouldered. Juicy and so gorgeous now. Balance is so wonderful here. All about harmonious fruit and tannin balance. I like it slightly better than the excellent 2014. 81% cabernet sauvignon, 4% petit verdot, 7% cabernet franc, 6% merlot and 2% malbec. Drink or hold.Inc. VAT£1,940.00
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(6x75cl) 2021
Presenting the iconic Nickel Nickel Cabernet Sauvignon State Ranch 2021, a lauded creation from Napa Valley's coveted Yountville AVA region. Exemplifying the producer's dedication to single-vineyard bottlings, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were meticulously hand-selected for this vintner's masterpiece.
Renowned for their precision and devotion to expressing the vineyard's unique terroir, Nickel Nickel has once again proven their calibre. Benefiting from the vineyard's fertile, loamy soils, this 2021 vintage wooes with intense aromas of black fruits, accompanied by a backbone of velvety tannins and a persistent, nuanced finish.
Masterfully crafted, the Nickel Nickel Cabernet Sauvignon State Ranch 2021 navigates a fine line between power and elegance, promising an emotive experience for discerning oenophiles. This wine is the quintessence of classic Napa Valley Cabernet, a sublime expression of the region's world-class viticulture, and a testament to Nickel Nickel's unwavering commitment to quality.
In Bond£685.57 -
(12x75cl) 2018
Vinous (96)
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder is bright, sensual and impeccably balanced. Red berry fruit, blood orange, sweet spice, tobacco and rose petal accents all build in a sensual, silky Mt. Veeder Cabernet that delivers tons of class. The 2018 is a gorgeous wine and every bit as impressive as it was last year .In Bond£1,291.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (98+)
The 2021 Pinot Noir Bodega Ridge Vineyard is a wine of pure and total sensuality. Dark red/purplish fruit, orange peel, cinnamon, new leather, cedar and sweet pipe tobacco give the 2021 striking aromatic presence to play off its mid-weight personality. The 2021 Bodega Ridge is all class, but it is the most reticent of the wines today. It manages to bring together all the elements that define these wines, namely serious fruit concentration, backed by vertical, explosive structure.In Bond£811.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (95)
A youthful deep ruby, the 2021 Pinot Noir Freestone-Occidental is highly expressive with wild lavender, kirsch, and fresh mountain herbs. Full-bodied, with youthful suppleness to its fruit at this stage, it has the same fantastic salinity that’s present across this whole lineup Occidental. Drink 2024-2034.In Bond£364.00 -
In Bond£332.00
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Wine Advocate (94)
The 2023 Pinot Noir Freestone-Occidental is bursting with vibrant scents of red cherry, cranberry, black tea, conifer, pipe tobacco, saline and generous spicy nuances. The medium-bodied palate is bursting with layers of succulent fruit, and its expressive, earthy undertones are reminiscent of a coastal forest. It has a lacy frame of tannins, bright acidity and a long, tobacco-laced finish. It’s a touch more open than the rest of the 2023s and will be approachable sooner.In Bond£325.00 -
(6x75cl) 2022
Decanter (100)
I've tasted very few wines that feel as complete as the 2022 Occidental Cuvée Elizabeth. Like the 2021 vintage, it’s the most floral and ethereal in the lineup, but this new release reaches new heights. It comes from the estate Bodega Headlands vineyard, where the vines already tend to give tiny berries and low yields. With 2022 being such a warm vintage, the crop was even smaller than usual, making the flavours and aromas way more vivid. With a highly expressive nose, you get a beautiful bouquet of violets and wet lavender mixed with the scent of cool, damp soil. A dusting of baking spice and a clean, salty breeze root this wine unmistakably in the West Sonoma Coast. On the palate, cranberries, pomegranate juice, and wild berries blend into a juicy and lively core. Satin-fine tannins bring just enough structure without getting in the way of the wine’s elegant frame. Bright acidity lifts everything into a long, satisfying finish. It’s a wow-moment wine. Truly beautiful. Tasted from bottle E2021.In Bond£480.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The 2021 Pinot Noir Running Fence Vineyard Cuvée Catherine offers tremendous energy and purity and will be long lived in the cellar. The nose features soaring scents of wild cherry, cranberry, bitter orange, hibiscus, graphite and botanicals. It floods the mouth with layer after layer of detailed, floral fruit. It has an haute couture structure, its powdery tannins and linear acidity seamlessly nestled into generous, nuanced flavors, and a tremendously long, dynamic finish.In Bond£628.00 -
(6x75cl) 2022
Jeb Dunnuck (97)
The 2022 Pinot Noir Running Fence Vineyard Cuvee Catherine is a deep ruby red hue and comes from a site behind the ranch at the top of the property. So pretty on the nose with notes of black raspberries and kirsch, it’s briny and savory with the sanguine brightness of orange oils and dark windswept herbs. Salty but entirely different, it’s marked by a pronounced signature of what this winery does, with power, compact brightness, and energy, as well as the umami richness and depth this wine delivers.In Bond£480.00 -
The Olabisi Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon Double Top Secret 2009 is a divine exemplification of the Napa Valley's terroir. Expertly crafted by the acclaimed Olabisi Wines, it hails from the prestigious Howell Mountain. The grapes are diligently hand-sorted, ensuring unparalleled quality. This eloquent wine denotes a meticulous, artisanal production process. Aged for 22 months in exclusive French oak barrels, it showcases a splendid synergy of finesse and structure.
On the palate, it reveals layers of black fruit, amassed with complex layers of spice and earthy aromas. This opulent vintage portrays a suitable harmony of approachability and longevity, promising enchanting development over the next decade. Savour the Olabisi Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon Double Top Secret 2009, a quintessential embodiment of Olabisi's passionate dedication to crafting extraordinary wines. This limited-run offering is truly an unmissable treasure for fine wine connoisseurs world over.
In Bond£2,432.00 -
(12x75cl) 2017
Immerse yourself in the impeccable world of Zinfandel with 'Once Future Bedrock Zinfandel 2017'. This fine oeuvre is produced by Once Future, lauded as a fresh force in the wine industry thanks to its proprietor Joel Peterson's pioneering vision in harnessing old vines. This particular Zinfandel is a decadent spectacle from vineyards planted over a century ago in Sonoma County, California.
Crafted with a non-interventionist approach, this wine's intense character stems from the naturally concentrated, low yield grapes. Fermented spontaneously in wooden open-top containers and matured in neutral French oak barrels, the 2017 Zinfandel encapsulates the essence of this vintage with understated elegance. Its deep fruity nuances in sync with structured tannins and balanced acidity manifest in a full-bodied palate, heightening your senses with every sip. Discover the profound expression of Californian terroir in each bottle of 'Once Future Bedrock Zinfandel 2017'.
In Bond£418.00 -
(12x75cl) 2017
An extraordinary vintage, the Once Future Frank Block Teldeschi Zinfandel 2017 is an exquisite testament to winemaker Joel Peterson's dedication to traditional, handcrafted methods. Produced in the famous Dry Creek Valley of Sonoma County, California, the wine offers a unique, pure expression of this iconic region's Zinfandel grapes.
Peterson, renowned as the 'Godfather of Zinfandel', meticulously oversees each stage from vine to bottle. Aging the wine in French oak barrels elevates the intricate fruit notes into a harmonious blend. This Zinfandel presents a robust palate of dark berries, rich plum and indulgent hints of spice.
This limited-production wine displays a remarkable balance of depth and elegance. The Once Future Frank Block Teldeschi Zinfandel 2017 is a sought-after treasure for discerning connoisseurs seeking authenticity and sophistication. The careful attention to detail echoes through every sip of this gloriously luscious Zinfandel vintage.
In Bond£418.00 -
(1x75cl) 1990
Vinous (90)
The 1990 Opus One is another powerful wine built on a serious core of tannin and structure. There is plenty of richness in the glass, but a little less intensity and complexity than the best wines of this era. I imagine the 1990 will still be a delicious wine in another decade. The 1990 is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 3% Merlot.In Bond£584.54 -
(6x75cl) 1992
Vinous (90)
A mélange of dark raspberries, menthol, savory herbs and anise jump from the glass in the 1992 Opus One. The aromas are a little more advanced than the fruit, but the 1992 still has plenty of depth, richness and pure sensuality. Readers may want to give the 1992 a year or two to see if the tannins have a little more sweetness to give. In 1992 the blend is 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 3% Merlot.In Bond£2,339.18 -
Wine Advocate (93)
Deep garnet-brick colour. Fragrant aromas of dried cranberries, prunes, cinnamon and cumin giving way to subtler earthy notes of leather and tar. A lot of discernable fruit remains on the palate framed by crisp acidity and a medium level of grainy tannins. Very long, layered finish. Drink now to 2018. Tasted April 2009.In Bond£1,976.00 -
Wine Advocate (94)
This is one of the finest Opus Ones to date, offering a dark ruby/purple color, as well as a striking, intense bouquet of sweet licorice intermixed with blackberries, cassis, plums, and saddle leather. This seamless, full-bodied wine is more velvety-textured, opulent, and succulent than past vintages. The mid-palate is expansive and chewy. The long finish is filled with glycerin, ripe fruit, and sweet tannin. Drink this impressive, user-friendly yet richly concentrated effort over the next 15 years. Tel. (707) 963-1979; Fax (707) 944-9357In Bond£470.00 -
(1x300cl) 1998
Vinous (93)
Next to the 1997, the 1998 Opus One is naturally a bit slender, but it, too, boasts striking balance. Savory herbs, mint, licorice and plums are woven together in a fabric of notable class. Still young and vibrant, the 1998 is an excellent choice for drinking now and over the next decade. The focus, length and persistence are all super-impressive, especially within the context of a challenging vintage. The 1998 is 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 1% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot.In Bond£1,398.00 -
(1x75cl) 2001
Vinous (92)
The 2001 Opus One bursts from the glass with layers of opulent fruit. Still quite youthful, the 2011 impresses for its elegant, mid-weight personality. Compared to the best wines of this era the 2001 comes across as a bit forward. I imagine the 2001 will drink well for another decade or so, but it won't be super long-lived next to its peers. Still, there is plenty to like here. The 2001 is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 3% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.In Bond£358.00 -
Vinous (92)
The 2001 Opus One bursts from the glass with layers of opulent fruit. Still quite youthful, the 2011 impresses for its elegant, mid-weight personality. Compared to the best wines of this era the 2001 comes across as a bit forward. I imagine the 2001 will drink well for another decade or so, but it won't be super long-lived next to its peers. Still, there is plenty to like here. The 2001 is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 3% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.In Bond£2,028.00 -
(1x75cl) 2006
James Suckling (95)
Sage and mint in the nose, it is Opus style. Full bodied and layered, with polished tannins and wonderful length. This is tight, but fascinating still. This wine has a good future, very juicy, and will only keep getting better. Don't touch this until 2014.In Bond£471.13 -
Vinous (96)
There is so much to like about the 2007 Opus One. A wine that captures the essence of the year, the 2007 is exotic, flashy and striking. Kirsch, rose petals, pomegranates and spices form a fabric of compelling beauty. The 2007 is rich, sumptuous and generous, just as it should be. Threads of striking perfume are woven throughout, adding aromatic lift and pure sensuality. Readers who like more structured wines are likely to gravitate towards vintages such as 2010, but years like 2007 offer immense pleasure and an immediacy I find impossible to resist. A sumptuous, layered finish rounds things out in stunning style. The blend is 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec.Inc. VAT£2,388.00 -
Vinous (95)
A gorgeous wine, the 2008 Opus One is just beginning to enter its first plateau of maturity. The tannins have softened while the aromatics show lovely complexity as well as depth. Blueberry, blackberry, gravel, lavender, licorice, leather and dark spice notes all add character. The 2008 is an especially dark, somber Opus One, although the softening tannins make the wine approachable today. The blend is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec.In Bond£2,664.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (98)
The 2010 Opus One is on another level and is a deep, concentrated, full-bodied, flawlessly balanced beauty. From a cooler vintage that saw significant heat spikes later in the year, it has incredible purity in its cassis and darker fruits as well as leafy tobacco, flowers, and background oak. With a great mid-palate, ripe, building tannins, and full-bodied richness on the palate, it’s a brilliant wine that has another two decades or more of prime drinking.In Bond£1,995.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (98)
The 2010 Opus One is on another level and is a deep, concentrated, full-bodied, flawlessly balanced beauty. From a cooler vintage that saw significant heat spikes later in the year, it has incredible purity in its cassis and darker fruits as well as leafy tobacco, flowers, and background oak. With a great mid-palate, ripe, building tannins, and full-bodied richness on the palate, it’s a brilliant wine that has another two decades or more of prime drinking.In Bond£1,886.00 -
Vinous (94)
The 2011 Opus One comes across as quite powerful and intense. Raspberry jam, rose petals, savory herbs and mint, all come together beautifully in the glass. The tannins are going to need a few years to soften, but the 2011 continues to develop very nicely in bottle. This is a very strong showing, especially within the context of the year. The 2011 is dark and even a bit rough round the edges, particularly when tasted alongside the surrounding vintages. The lithe, mid-weight, savory style is at times more Old World than New, yet all the elements are in the right place.In Bond£1,773.00 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (100)
A legendary vintage at Opus, and this remains an extremely impressive wine at 12 years old. Expect black olive paste, bilberry and cassis, richly nuanced with juicy stone fruits and cherry pit, fragrant, still barely getting going, drawn out on the finish. A great example of a vintage that could be drunk now, and no doubt is being drunk by many collectors, but which will richly reward further patience. A note on my 100 point score by the way - this vintage is extremely different to the 2021, which also got my top score, so please be aware - this is exceptional opulence, whereas the 2021 is exceptional classicism. Harvest September 5 to October 8. 100% new oak for ageing, Michael Silacci director. 18 days skin contact.In Bond£1,848.50 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (100)
A legendary vintage at Opus, and this remains an extremely impressive wine at 12 years old. Expect black olive paste, bilberry and cassis, richly nuanced with juicy stone fruits and cherry pit, fragrant, still barely getting going, drawn out on the finish. A great example of a vintage that could be drunk now, and no doubt is being drunk by many collectors, but which will richly reward further patience. A note on my 100 point score by the way - this vintage is extremely different to the 2021, which also got my top score, so please be aware - this is exceptional opulence, whereas the 2021 is exceptional classicism. Harvest September 5 to October 8. 100% new oak for ageing, Michael Silacci director. 18 days skin contact.In Bond£1,683.50 -
James Suckling (97)
Mesmerizing aromas of flowers, bark, currants and blackberries. So perfumed. You just want to smell it. Exquisite tension and finesse with an almost Burgundian texture, yet it’s Napa in its soul with ripe fruit, stones, spices and Chinese tea leaf flavors. Savory and delicious. Drinkable but better in 2020.In Bond£1,848.50 -
James Suckling (97)
Mesmerizing aromas of flowers, bark, currants and blackberries. So perfumed. You just want to smell it. Exquisite tension and finesse with an almost Burgundian texture, yet it’s Napa in its soul with ripe fruit, stones, spices and Chinese tea leaf flavors. Savory and delicious. Drinkable but better in 2020.In Bond£1,598.50 -
James Suckling (98)
Purity and brilliance on the nose with so much currant and flower character. Roses, currant bush and fresh leaves, too. Brightness is the word that comes to mind. Full-bodied and broad-shouldered. Juicy and so gorgeous now. Balance is so wonderful here. All about harmonious fruit and tannin balance. I like it slightly better than the excellent 2014. 81% cabernet sauvignon, 4% petit verdot, 7% cabernet franc, 6% merlot and 2% malbec. Drink or hold.In Bond£1,596.00
