2014 Opus One

The texture of the tannins sits somewhere between slate and velvet, filled out by creamy blackberry fruit, laced with cappuccino, intense espresso, liquorice, rosemary, crushed rocks and black pepper. In a sweet spot where you can begin to drink at full maturity, although once again worth a reminder that these wines are way too often drunk too young, and you should be totally confident in putting it away for another five years at least. Harvest September 5 to October 7, Michael Silacci director, 100% new oak for ageing, 20 days skin contact.

80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 2% Malbec. Aged for 18 months in new French barriques. Lively, lightly leafy with a rich base. Just what I want! (JR)

Deep garnet colored, the 2014 Opus One opens with youthful notes of warm blackberries, chocolate-covered cherries, redcurrant jelly and blackcurrant pastilles with hints of bay leaves, tobacco leaf and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, firm and grainy with a lively backbone and tightly wound black and red berry layers, it finishes with a compelling herbal lift.