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.

Blended of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec, the Opus One 2014 Proprietary Red Wine sports an inky purple color and nose of crushed black and red currants, black cherries and mulberries with touches of underbrush, sautéed herbs and pencil shavings plus a waft of spice box. Medium-bodied, finely crafted and with an energetic line lifting the red and black fruits, it has a bold frame of grainy tannins and a very long, earth and spice-layered finish.

The 2014 Opus One is not as showy or obvious as some of the other surrounding vintages, but it will have its day. Stylistically, the 2014 is bright and also a touch linear, with a construction built more on focus rather than opulence. Readers should plan on giving the 2014 another few years in bottle at a minimum. The mid-weight style is a bit Old World-leaning in this striking, super-classic Opus One.

This has settled in nicely, with melted licorice, loam and gently toasted alder accents caressing the edges of the core of warm cassis and mulled plum fruit. Subtle notes of sage, bay and menthol hang in the background as the lush finish lingers. A terrific combination of fruit, flora and terroir in an understated style. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec. -- Blind 2014 California Cabernet retrospective (June 2024). Drink now through 2038. 27,000 cases made.