The 1979 Opus One Proprietary Red Wine is a distinguished vintage that continues to impress even after four decades. This iconic Napa Valley wine, produced by Opus One, is a proprietary blend predominantly composed of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Merlot, according to Vinous. The collaboration between Lucien Sionneau from Mouton and Timothy Mondavi, who had just graduated from UC Davis, marks this wine as a significant milestone in California winemaking.

Jane Anson from janeanson.com awarded this wine a high score of 96, noting that it still maintains plenty of color even after 43 years. She describes it as "juicy and delicate, with an energy that builds through the palate," highlighting its autumnal fruit and dried flower aromas, including crushed roses and raspberry leaf. The wine also reveals tertiary notes of undergrowth and campfire smoke. Anson concludes, "What a triumph for the first vintage of Opus to still be tasting like this after so many decades."

Decanter also gave this vintage a commendable score of 95, emphasizing its surprising color retention at 40 years old. The review describes the wine as having evolved to exhibit "incense, soft truffle, and forest floor notes," but also notes a richness to its spine. Decanter praises its longevity, stating that it "held up over five hours in the glass, gaining in layers," and calls it "one of the most enjoyable wines of the tasting."

Vinous rated the wine at 93, noting its complex bouquet of "pine, menthol, sweet red cherries, tobacco, dried flowers, and savory herbs." The reviewer mentions the wine’s deceptive medium body that "packs a serious punch on the palate," and praises its "fabulous depth and remarkable vigor for a wine of its age." The review suggests that any remaining bottles should be enjoyed now but acknowledges the vintage’s superb quality.

The 1979 Opus One stands as a testament to a pioneering effort in Napa Valley, illustrating the successful blend of classic Bordeaux-style winemaking with Californian terroir. This vintage embodies both historical significance and lasting excellence.