Tasted from magnum. Wonderful range of mature, complex dried cherry, berry, herb, cedar, anise and olive. Offers depth, polish and grace, finishing with firm tannins. Lovely now.--Opus One vertical. Drink now through 2006. 2,000 cases made. -JL

(12.9% abv; 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot) Still deep and ruby in colour, only moderately transparent. Nose evolved and complex, with rich, tobacco and ripe plum fruit and undergrowth aromas. Palate smooth and ripe, still fresh but fully mature. Mushroomy, earthy, savoury notes here, with crisp acidity. Still plenty of fruit left. Lovely freshness on the finish, which is long, persistent and complex. Not overripe - picked necessarily early, due to rain in September. Delicious.