Confident tannic structure, sure of itself and its sense of place. This is a gorgeous wine, has real punch and character, with tobacco, cigar box, Christmas spice, juice, tension and a pulse of electriticty. Continues the muscular feel that began with the 1987 vintage, coupled with spice and generosity, and is both joyful and complete. Tertiary notes are here also, of soot, tobacco, forest floor. This is subtle, steals up on you, and overcomes you with its charm. A year that saw an early bud break, dry and cool growing season but relatively early harvest because of drought. A brililant vintage and it really does live up to hype. Loved it last time I tasted it and it is even better on this tasting. 23 days skin contact, winemakers Patrick Léon and Tim Mondavi.

Extra facets and dimensions abound in this deeplycomplex and flavorful wine. Impressive for itsfocus and finesse though there's an underlyingfirmness and authority in the core of chewycurrant herb and anise flavors. Delicious.--Opus One vertical. Drink now through 2007. 11500 cases made. (JL)

What strikes immediately with this wine is the balance and the lush quality of the fruit, that is subuded and yet juicy. This is reputed as one of the finest vintages of the decade and the texture and density of the fruit is clear, as is the fact that this has a long life ahead of it. Early bud break, dry, cool and long growing season but relatively early harvest because this was a drought year. 24 days skin contact.