Patrick Leon's first year as winemaker alongside Tim Mondavi, as Lucien Sionneau retired. This is a superb vintage (in fact the entire trio of 1984, 1985 and 1986 are a wonderful balance of Napa and Bordeaux). Dark flesh with an anise, saline edge to the finish, luscious quality to the brambled fruits, with a sweetness that gives away their age but a ton of minerality that keeps things skipping along. 21 days skin contact (note that they start to nudge this figure upwards at this point). Widely seen as one of the best vintages of the 1980s, with an early budbreak, a long moderate growing season and warm dry harvest, and this is still going strong. (Drink between 2019-2038)

1985 was a great vintage for Napa Valley in general, and Opus retains a ruby red colour, with tawny edging. Well structured, great quality, clear texture through the heart of the wine, a little less freshness than vintages such as the 1979 but bursting with velvety, perfectly placed tannins. Tiptoes through the palate barely putting a foot wrong. Not a blockbuster, still in the European sensibility as it slides effortlessly towards tertiary character, with so much still to give. The first vintage where Patrick Léon of Mouton was winemaker alongside Tim Mondavi, at the tipping point towards a more modern style. 21 days skin contact.