1984 Opus One
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Tasting notes
Vibrant ruby red, dark cherry fruits, still with evident structure and tannic architecture. Traces of bitter almond, juicy blackcurrant and blackberry fruits, and a complex interplay of truffle, liqourice, blue cheese salinity, dried flowers. This is more austere than the 1983, but with so much life ahead of it, and a sense of momentum as it builds through the palate. Abundant sunsine and early harvest, early budbreak, this was the shortest growing season on record at the time. 17 days skin contact, winemakers Lucien Sionneau and Tim Mondavi.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
More reviews and scores
The 1984 Opus One is one of the very few disappointing wines in this complete vertical. The bouquet is now fully evolved, although some depth remains in the fruit. At this stage, the 1984 is fully mature. Any remaining bottles should be drunk. At the times it was made, 1984 was the shortest growing season that had been recorded. The blend is 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Merlot.
LAST TASTED 3/94 A youthful medium to dark ruby color is followed by a spicy, compact, pleasant nose of black fruits, vanillin, and a touch of cedar. Medium-bodied, with fine concentration, adequate acidity, and moderate tannin, this wine offers above average, straightforward drinking. More complexity (which I doubt will emerge given the wine's modest proportions) and additional extraction would have been beneficial. Once again, the quality of my tasting notes for Opus One has declined with age.
A youthful medium to dark ruby color is followed by a spicy, compact, pleasant nose of black fruits, vanillin, and a touch of cedar. Medium-bodied, with fine concentration, adequate acidity, and moderate tannin, this wine offers above average, straightforward drinking. More complexity (which I doubt will emerge given the wine's modest proportions) and additional extraction would have been beneficial. Once again, the quality of my tasting notes for Opus One has declined with age.
About the producer
Created by Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild, Opus One is one of the most famous wines and estates in the Napa Valley. Its iconic Cabernet Sauvignon combines the elegance and freshness of Bordeaux with the natural ripeness and opulence of Napa.
Product details
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec/ Auxerrois / Cot
Red
Dry