The colour here is iridescent plum, with enveloping aromatics. Velvety tannins, rich cocoa bean, liquorice, dark cherry, balanced, juicy, precise, mouthwatering, concentrated. Delivers the signature of a fabulous Napa Cab that it is in stride without pushing too far, and has held up exceptionally well at 21 years old. Michael Silacci wineamaking director, and from this vintage Opus becomes a fully independent estate, with its own vineyard crew, and its own team in the cellar. 100% new French oak, harvest from early September to October 1.

The 2004 Opus One showed beautifully and is a hidden gem in the vintage. A blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, and the rest other Bordeaux varieties, brought up in new barrels, it has a plush, concentrated, yet still almost Old World style in its darker fruits, smoked tobacco, licorice, and chocolate-like aromas and flavors. Drink this pure, balanced, elegant 2004 over the coming decade. As with the 2001, there’s an undeniably Bordeaux-like character in this wine.

Aged in 100% new French oak for 17 months and in bottle for 14 months prior to release, the 2004 Opus One is a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. It boasts a dense ruby/purple color along with a sweet bouquet of lead pencil shavings, black currants and a hint of toasty oak. More evolved than usual, this full-bodied, opulent 2004 is part of the new wave of Opus Ones made under the administration of Philippe Dhalluin, the administrator of Mouton Rothschild, who has begun to exploit this estate’s enormous potential. This beauty can be drunk now or cellared for another 20 years. - Robert Parker

Deftly balanced and medium-bodied, this is a wine of finesse and refinement, highlighted by pure, rich flavors of blackberry and blueberry, with hints of cedar and mocha. Maintains an elegant core. Best of two bottles. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec.--2004 California Cabernet blind retrospective (August 2014). Drink now through 2024. – JL