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cousteau's Review:

[92]

cousteau's Review:

Having tasted the 2000 and 2002 Opus One, expectations weren't very high for this 1996. Things changed at the very first scent on the nose, this coudn't be the same wine. Very complex, intense nose of cassis, currants, cedar and spice. On the mouth the surprise was even bigger, layers of fruit, live acidity and powerful tannins still jumping. The finish is quite remarkable, very intense and lingers for a long time. I finally came to realize how California could beat the french in the Paris tasting. This wine definately shows how it could be done. If I were a US senator today I would most certainly vote for Mike Thompson's resolution to honor the 30th anniversary. [95]

cousteau's Review:

Above my expectations. Had it with a grilled ojo del bife seasoned with just black pepper and salt. Perfect combination. The wine is dark purple and the first notes are dominated by oak. After a while it resolved into an outstanding blend of overripe dark cherries with black pepper. Rounded and chewy with a fruity finish. Will buy more. [90]

cousteau's Review:

Much better than the 2002. Of course it had more time to develop but I would guess the 02 will never catch up with this one. Nice intense aromas, rounded and complex on the palate and a very nice finish but still too expensive for what it has to offer. [90]

cousteau's Review:

Purchased this on a restaurant and instead of decanting for 3 hours like the last bottle, we had to drink it right after popping. A huge difference, at the last sip it was already showing quite like the description of the last bottle, but in the beginning it was much more closed and one dimensional. If you want to taste this at it's full expression you just have to decant it for at least a couple of hours. [90]

cousteau's Review:

Completely overrated to me. [88]

cousteau's Review:

I think WS got this one right. It's very exotic indeed. Lychees, apricots and also some beeswax too. Very elegant and multidimensional. Great mouthfeel, coats the palate with lush spicy flavors, great body and a caressing finish. [92]

cousteau's Review:

Tasted at the winery in Napa together with the 2000. The 2002 was tannic and tough. Over oaked and not that well balanced. didn't enjoy it at all. Maybe time will round it up and it becomes much better but at this price point there's no way it can be a good value. [87]

cousteau's Review:

Showing much better than when I tried it at the winery a year ago. Great nose of red berries, vanilla and some white peper undertone. On the mouth it coats your palate with an opulent structure, very sweet tannins, lot's of fruit. Very good balance and good finish. Perfect pairing with a simple roasted filet mignon. [91]

cousteau's Review:

Dark rubi color. Nose of cassis, some berries, vanilla and I believe just an edge of brett or maybe just a barn note. Good balance and fine tannins, nice finish. [89]