1982 Opus One

The 1982 Opus One is one of the more direct wines in this complete vertical. There is plenty of fruit in the glass, but at the same time, the tannins aren't as polished as they are in other vintages of the same era. Today, the 1982 comes across as a bit burly and rough around the edges. The depth of the fruit suggests the 1982 might actually still benefit from further time in bottle! The blend is 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc and 2% Merlot.

Several bottles tasted previously had been lean, compact, and appeared to be in danger of losing their fruit. This bottle reveals a healthy deep ruby color, and an attractive light intensity nose of herbs and black-cherry fruit nicely complemented by subtle new oak. In the mouth, this is an elegant, medium-bodied wine with good structure, fine concentration, and an overall sense of balance and finesse. While there is a slight greenness to the tannic finish, this wine performed well after several disappointing tastings.

Several bottles tasted previously had been lean, compact, and appeared to be in danger of losing their fruit. This bottle reveals a healthy deep ruby color, and an attractive light intensity nose of herbs and black-cherry fruit nicely complemented by subtle new oak. In the mouth, this is an elegant, medium-bodied wine with good structure, fine concentration, and an overall sense of balance and finesse. While there is a slight greenness to the tannic finish, this wine performed well after several disappointing tastings. Wine Advocate.December, 1992