The 1984 Opus One Proprietary Red Wine, a product of the illustrious Opus One winery, hails from the renowned Napa Valley in California's North Coast. This red wine, a proprietary blend, has garnered attention for its robust character and aging potential.
Jane Anson from janeanson.com awarded it a score of 91, describing the wine as "vibrant ruby red" with "dark cherry fruits" and a noteworthy "tannic architecture." Anson notes the presence of "traces of bitter almond, juicy blackcurrant and blackberry fruits," along with a "complex interplay of truffle, liquorice, blue cheese salinity, and dried flowers." She remarks that the 1984 vintage is more austere compared to the 1983, yet it exhibits "so much life ahead of it" and "a sense of momentum as it builds through the palate." Anson also highlights the unique conditions of the 1984 growing season, mentioning it as "the shortest growing season on record at the time" with abundant sunshine and an early harvest.
Decanter provided an even more favorable review, giving the wine a score of 94. They describe it as "generously-structured" and "powerful," with a "still beating heart." The wine's age is evidenced by "subtle bricking around the edge of the glass" and "gentle eucalyptus and forest floor notes." Decanter also echoes the notable features of the growing season, emphasizing the "early bud break" and "ideal temperatures during the summer," which contributed to the wine's development.
Both reviewers point out the 17 days of skin contact during the winemaking process, orchestrated by winemakers Lucien Sionneau and Tim Mondavi. This meticulous attention to detail has resulted in a wine with a rich, layered complexity that continues to evolve.
In summary, the 1984 Opus One Proprietary Red Wine is a testament to the exceptional conditions and expert craftsmanship of its vintage. With accolades from respected reviewers, it stands as a powerful and complex wine with significant aging potential.