Biondi Santi

Brunello di Montalcino

2015 Biondi-Santi Rosso di Montalcino

FEB 19 Bright ruby. Lightly scented, cherries, anise, some spices, elegant nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, red berries, anise, some spices, elegant, lovely balance, good length. 88

2014 Biondi Santi Rosso di Montalcino

FEB 17 10708 bottles made. Bright ruby. Some cherries, fruity, red berries and spices nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, red berries, some anise, good length. 88

2013 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino

SEP 19 Bright ruby. Cherries, anise, liquorice, some scented notes, tight and firm nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, red berries, cherries, nuanced, tight and firm at this stage, long. 92

2013 Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino

FEB 19 Bright ruby. Scented, cherries, anise, detailed, some spices, faintly floral, nuanced nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, anise, cherries, some spices, elegant texture, lovely balance, long. 90

2013 Biondi Santi Rosso di Montalcino

APR 18 Ruby. Scented, red berries, cherries, some liquorice, very faint floral note nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, anise, spices, detailed, elegant, playful, long. 90

2013 Biondi Santi Rossso di Montalcino

MAR 17 Ruby. Cherries, mint, herbs, anise, could be some of the herbs on the table for dinner, light and leathery. Remember it as more scented and floral. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, red berries, anise, liquorice and some herbs. 89

2013 Biondi Santi Rosso di Montalcino

FEB 17 Bright ruby. Red berries, cherries, some anise, liquorice, light floral note, a denser nose for Rosso. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, red berries, some spices, detailed and elegant, denser palate as well, long if a bit narrower finish. 90

2012 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Annata

JAN 19 Bright ruby. Red berries, anise, some liquorice, cherries nose, scented and detailed. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, cherries, detailed and nuanced, long. 93

2012 Biondi-Santo Brunello di Montalcino Annata

SEP 18 Bright ruby, garnet rim. Anise, spices, leather, cherries, nuanced nose, detailed. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, cherries, anise, some spices, juicy, nuanced, elegant, detailed, long. 94

2012 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Annata

AUG 18 Bright ruby. Red berries, anise, some spices, liquorice, intense nose, tight, needs hours of decanting. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, red berries, anise, tight again, yet concentration behind. Needs hours of decanting, long. 93

2012 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino

FEB 17 Bright ruby. Red berries, fruity, cherries, anise, elegant nose, spices. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, red berries and spices, elegant, nuanced and detailed, long. 92

2012 Biondi Santi Rosso di Montalcino
JUN 16 Bright ruby. Leather, cherries, anise nose, not the most open Rosso. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, red berries, cherries, fruity, somewhat structured, good length. 88

2011 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

JAN 19 Bright ruby. Blueberries, anise, detailed, intense, minerals, nuanced and scented nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, red berries, spices, detailed, layered and elegant, long. 95

2011 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

FEB 17 14128 bottles made. Bright ruby. Tighter, some anise, spices, liquorice, cherries, some darker fruits note, hint of thyme. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, some anise and spices, detailed, elegant texture and structure, smooth and rounded, layers, long. 94

2011 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Annata
AUG 16 Bright ruby. Scented, red berries, fresh, bright nose, elegant, red fruits, detailed, nuanced, refined. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, bright, elegant, red fruity, structured, some anise, red fruity, long. 93

2011 Biondi Santi Rosso di Montalcino

NOV 15 Lyst rubinrød. Lett parfymert duft, røde bær, noe lakris og lett floral. Frisk syre, modne tanniner, frisk, fruktig, slank og elegant, pen lengde. Drikk over de neste fem årene. 88

2010 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Annata

NOV 15 Lyst rubinrød. Røde bær, anis, kirsebær, moreller, parfymert og noe floral duft. Frisk syre, modne tanniner, frisk, fruktig, detaljert, nyansert, kirsebær, livlig og elegant, lang finish. Nyt over de neste tyve årene. 94

2010 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Annata

MAY 15 Bright ruby. Anise, floral, cherries, detailed nose, layered, morellos and some floral notes. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, fresh, elegant, detailed and nuanced, long. 94

2009 Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino Annata

SEP 18 Ruby. Anise, liquorice, ripe and fruity, blackberries note, quite intense nose, quite ripe and a touch of jammy notes for Biondi. Scented. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, red berries, anise, blueberries, cherries, quite intense, long. 92

2009 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Annata

DEC 16 Ruby, brick rim. Oxidative, cooked plums, faulty bottle.

2009 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Annata

APR 16 Bright ruby. Red berries, cherries, anise, fruity, somewhat fleshier nose for Biondi. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, red berries and spices, detailed, long. 91

2008 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Annata

JUL 18 Ruby. Anise, liquorice, cherries, spices, detailed nose, leather. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, cherries, anise, liquorice, some spices, detailed, quite intense, long. 93

2008 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Annata

FEB 18 Bright ruby. Anise, figs, dates, some spices nose. Liquorice. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, liquorice, spices, anise, dark fruits, quite intense, some spices, long. Cherries finish. 93

2008 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Annata
APR 15 Rubinrød. Parfymert, lakris, kirsebær, detaljert, duft, intens, nesten litt rik. Frisk syre, modne tanniner, frisk, livlig, rikere, intens, lakris, en litt heftigere Annata, fruktig og lang. 92

2008 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Annata
MAY 14 Biondi red. Anise, cherries, floral, nuanced, still a very tight bottle. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, refreshing, leaner palate, nuanced and elegant, needed more air to open than usual, long. 92

2008 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Annata
FEB 14 Bright ruby. Red berries, more tender nose than last bottle, some floral notes, almonds very delicate. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner and more detailed but also some drier notes, not a perfect bottle. Drying finish.

2008 Biondi-Santi Rosso di Montalcino

FEB 14 Ruby. Liquorice, fruity, scented and cherries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner, fruity, elegant, good length.  88

2008 Biondi Santi Rosso di Montalcino
NOV 12 Bright ruby. Cherries, licorice, somewhat scented nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, soft fruit, more structure, long. Decant it before serving. 89

2008 Biondi Santi Rosso de Montalcino

SEP 12 Bright garnet. To my surprise, this still feels a bit raw and almost unrefined. Needs time still. High acidity, high of ripe tannins, superb purity and long. Give it another two or three years. 87

2007 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Annata

SEP 15 Granateplerød. Elegant duft, kirsebær, lær, lakris, noe parfymert, besnærende duft. Frisk syre, modne tanniner, fruktig, elegant, flott balanse, delikat, lang finish. 93

2007 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Annata
MAY 14 Bright ruby. Tight nose, some cherries, leather, faint floral notes but lacks intensity. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fairly detailed but could have more fruit and intensity. It was decanted for hours without much happening, long if lean finish. 90

2007 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Annata

SEP 12 Bright garnet. Cherry stones, licorice, perfumed and fairly intense nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lively feel to it, intense aromas, leaner body, refreshing and long. A bit fruitier than normal for Biondi Santi. 90

2006 Briondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

FEB 19 Bright ruby. Scented, cherries, anise, some spices, detailed, nuanced, intense, elegant nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, anise, spices, cherries, liquorice, nuanced and detailed, layered, firm structure behind, very long finish. 96

2006 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

SEP 12 Bright ruby, extremely closed when it hit the glass, then slightly perfumed, leather and cherries, opening up, getting intense on the nose. Fresh acidity, high of ripe tannins, strawberries, very pure palate, stunning texture, very long. 94

2006 Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino Annata

FEB 14 Ruby. Liquorice, cherries, fruity and scented, lovely nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, lively, cherries palate, nuanced and long. 92

2006 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Annata

SEP 12 Bright Biondi red, an intense, superbly bright garnet that I've actually nailed the producer on when wines was served blind. Red berries and perfumed nose, some anise waiting behind. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant body, needs time, a rich vintage for Annata. 91

2006 Biondi-Santi Rosso di Montalcino

JAN 10 Bright ruby, coffee, red fruit meat, cherries and morellos, fresh and youthful, some cherry stones. Fresh acidity, almost crisp, fruit tea, long, clean and elegant finish. 86

2004 Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

JAN 09 Ble tappet den dagen vi besøkte. Elegant og meget flott nese, kirsebærstein, plommer, lær, lakris, mineraler, meget kompleks og ren fruktighet. I munn er frukten svært lik som på nesen, nydelig syre, utrolig balanse og ettersmak på minutter. 96-98

2004 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Annata

SEP 12 Bright Biondi red. Perfumed, cherries, anise, leather and fine floral and violet tones. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant and fruit-driven. Still feels classical. Long. 91

2004 Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino Annata

JAN 10 Ruby red, garnet rim. Cherries, stone fruits, blackberries, leather and liquorice. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, complex, very long finish. Transparent and layered, very elegant. 91

2004 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Annata

MAY 09 Ruby. Cherries, floral notes, blackberries, anise and leather nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and lively, delicate, transparent and nuanced, long. 93

2003 Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino Annata

DEC 09 Bright ruby, very elegant nose, a bit closed, no signs of cooked fruits, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, cherries, tobacco, raspberries, transparent, and elegant, yet complex and quite intense, great balance, long finish. 90

2003 Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino Annata

JAN 09 Lyst rubinrød, tegl kant, ren fruktighet igjen, kirsebær, plommer, ikke så kompleks som Riservaen. Flott struktur, slank, litt lakris og fin lengde. 92

2001 Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

MAY 10 Bright ruby, gorgeous colour, so complex and seductive, cigars, leather, dark fruit, cherries and plums, elegant and ripe tannins, very lively acidity, needs time, and in this case, air....never opened like my last bottle, but how I love this style of Brunello's. 94

2001 Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

JAN 09 Klar og lyst ruby med tegl kant. Lær, kirsebær, plommer, steinfrukt, lett floral, anis, meget kompleks og samtidig elegant nese. Lett kropp men intens frukt og mer struktur. Flott frukt og balanse, vidunderlig lang finish, flott syre og mye men modne tanniner. 98

1999 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Annata
MAR 14 Bright ruby. Some leather and anise but dusty nose, lean and weak palate, tired bottle. Bought in Sorento, probably to warm storage in the shop.

1999 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Annata
FEB 14 Bright ruby. Red berries, floral notes, detailed if leaner nose, refreshing, cherries and leather. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, elegant, refreshing, slightly leaner bottle, long. 90

1998 Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

AUG 12 Bright ruby. Gorgeous nose, more open than the last bottle two years back or so. Pure cherries, some leather, redcurrants, light whiff of tobacco. Fresh and towards high acidity, ripe tannins, some oak feel, balanced and very long. Goes on and on. 96

1998 Biondi Santi, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

SEP 10 Bttl 3902. Bright ruby, garnet rim. Leather, redcurrants, cherries, even floral overtones, enormous complexity, very tight knit and secretive. Great acidity, high of ripe tannins, pure, elegant, slightly raw at the moment, great texture, needs probably 20 years, maybe more. 95

1998 Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

DEC 09 Bright ruby, great nose, very complex, fruit driven at the moment, cherries, redcurrants, cigars, chocolate, some liquorice, hints of vanilla, extremely elegant, balanced and complex. Fresh acidity, very ripe tannins, can keep a long time. Save. 97

1998 Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

JAN 09 Rubinrød med tegl kant. Plommer, kirsebær, lær, litt floral her også, forsiktig og subtil på en måte, allikevel meget kompleks. Superelegant, nydelig syre og modne elegante tanniner. Ekstremt lang finish. 96

1997 Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

AUG 13 bright ruby. Cherries, red berries, plums, detailed nose, some hung game, anise, floral notes, very detailed. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, superb balance, youthful, elegant, refreshing and nuanced, very long. 96

1997 Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

OCT 09 Pale ruby with hints of brick towards the rim. Very young still and exceptional clean style. Some vanilla, cherries, cherry stone, red plums, red berries, some game and leaves, lean in a way, yet very complex. Exceptional balance, fantastically balanced acidity, very long finish, way too young. Give it 20 years. 97

1997 Biondi Santi, Brunello di Montalcino

AUG 10 Bttl 39543. The bright red colour of only Biondi. Leather, complex nose of redcurrants, straw- and raspberries, very intense, pure, some leather touch, but still very fruit driven. High acidity, ripe tannins, great balance, a bit raw in its youth, very different from other cooked 97 Brunello's of late, needs a lot of time! 91

1995 Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

FEB 19 Bright ruby, thin garnet rim. Scented, touch of black tea, cherries, floral, touch of roses, more violets, layered and detailed, incredible nuances in this one. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, cherries, elegant, detailed, layered, nuanced, lovely balance, intense, just keeps on showing new elements and flavours, incredibly long. Not in your face in any way, it is just a well educated gentleman with lots of knowledge. 98

1990 Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino Annata

AUG 11 Fin lyst rubinrød farge, tegl kant. Lakris, kirsebær, lær, litt tobakk, deilig og kompleks nese. Fresh syre og modne men tydelige tanniner. Slank kropp men fin intensitet. Flott finish. 88

1985 Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

FEB 12 Bright ruby, garnet rim. Redcurrant's, cherries, closed, leather, minerals, seductive nose, layered, complex. High acidity, high of ripe tannins, mouthwatering, superb texture, better than my last bottle, long but not too intense finish. 94

1985 Biondi-Santi, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

MAY 10 Deep ruby red, great complexity, elegant, perfect balance, so refreshing acidity, ripe tannins, great structure, so complex, classy, leather, cherries, redcurrants, fantastic length. 96

1981 Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

JAN 11 Bttl 7066. A level fill, cork half soaked, deep ruby, garnet rim, deeper colour than most Biondi's. Very earthy, dusty and mineral, deep notes of plums behind. Lean and some oxidation, liquorice, high acidity, some unripe tannins, woody high notes, short finish. 73 at It’s best, fading quickly.

1981 Biondi Santi, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

SEP 10 Bttl 0411. Bright ruby, brick rim. Leather, fine wood, so complex nose its troublesome to describe it fully, high notes, low notes, layers of coffee, mushrooms, anise and more. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, mouthwatering, body a bit on the lean side, great freshness, pure, and great length. Enjoy it soon. 93

1979 Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino
FEB 12 Bottle # 33845. In the neck fill, ruby with brick rim, deeper and not as brilliant as normal for Biondi, or this vintage. Leather, figs, anise, morellos, lacks the purity and transparency of a perfect bottle. High acidity, leanish body, sour cherry stones and licorice, good length. A good, but not great bottle. 86

1979 Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino Annata

JAN 10 Bright ruby with garnet rim, absolutely astonishingly beautiful colour. Perfumed black tea, sweet cherries, slight hint of volatility, some lacquer and hardwood, even blackcurrants. High and fresh acidity, truly mouthwatering, transparent and elegant, very pure, layered, such elegance, quite seductive, some ripe tannins, more floral with air, could be a bit longer, but punches way over its weight class. Impressive. After 15 minutes, cigars, getting more and more complex, leather, chocolate, leafy notes, the whole wine opens up, good length. 90

1975 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

AUG 10 B level fill, ruby, thin orange rim, touch of cherries, leather, redcurrants, needs air to open, plums, very ripe. Pure acidity, ripe and high tannins, very elegant, fruity, very elegant, but I've had a better bottle. 92

1975 Biondi-Santi, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

JUL 10 B level fill, bright garnet, brick rim. Violets, fresh anise, leather, cherries, strawberries. Perfect balance, lively acidity, ripe and high tannins, extremely complex, chocolate, truffles, so intense, gorgeous, perfection, and this very curious touch like a Riesling BA's tropical touch, and minutes of aftertaste, closer to ten minutes actually. The nuances in this wine is beyond description, their so subtle, so discreet and comes in many waves of new flavours, almost youthful, can keep 40 more years. 99

1971 Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino

FEB 12 Bottle #14060. Top shoulder fill, Maderized.

1970 Biondi Santi, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

SEP 10 Bttl 13192. Garnet with broad orange rim. Dry, dusty, leather, stone from fruit, some mushrooms and slightly sour. Ok acidity, very ripe tannins, drink now, a bit short. 84

1970 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

AUG 10 A level fill, bright ruby, thin orange rim. Cherries, lots of green tea, almost moldy. Thin, metallic, over mature, faulty storage? 60

1968 Biondi Santi, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

SEP 10 Bttl 00317. Brick with orange rim. Oysters and salty minerals, leather, redcurrants and touch of cherries. Floral and more and more complexity with air. Great acidity, ripe tannins, pure, elegant, great balance, fantastic length. Getting a bit lean in the finish. 93

1964 Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
NOV 11 Bottle 5121. Stunning pale red, brick rim. Almond essence, VA, roses, perfumed, pear compote. Fresh acidity, dry tannins, lean. My last bottle was far better, and as always with Biondi, there can be huge bottle variations. 78

1964 Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
OCT 10 This bottle was had about a year back. Bright pale red, sediments. Roses, licorice, cherry stones, redcurrants, leather, quite intense and complex, layered. Palate never opens up fully, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant balance, doesn't quite live up to perfect bottles of the 75, long length. 93

Opus One

Napa Valley

2010 Opus One
OCT 13 Deep ruby. Fruity, cassis, leather, ripe, nuanced, rich, almost minerals behind on the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, ripe and intense palate, long. 94

2010 Opus One

JUN 13 Deep ruby. Scented, fruity, leather, cassis and graphite minerality, floral notes on the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, layered, complex and quite intense, ripe and long. Unlike the last bottle that was pop and pour, this one had been open but not decanted for about twelve hours or so. 95

2010 Opus One

JUN 13 I was one of the very first in Europe to taste this, the day after its official release. Ruby. Cassis, vanilla, coffee  notes, deep, complex and layered nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, intense fruitiness, but still refreshing. Quite nuanced even if everything is packed in right now, long finish. 95

2009 Opus One

JUN 13 Deep ruby. Scented, nuanced, fruity, cassis, leather, floral notes, again graphite touch, almost a creamy note as well to the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, nuanced and layered, complex and more intense, long finish. 95

2008 Opus One

DEC 11 Deep ruby, youthful, cassis, coffee, blueberries. Softer texture, feels very elegant even as it is so young, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, balanced, long length. 94

2007 Opus One

JUN 13 Deep ruby. Scented, fruity, nuanced, graphite minerals and some spices. Cassis and floral touch on the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lively, elegant, fruity and refined, lovely balance, superb texture, elegant and very long indeed. 96

2006 Opus One

MAR 10 Deep ruby, thin purple rim, vanilla, fruit driven, dark berries, chocolate, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, complex, pure youth, great structure, wood tannins needs time, vanilla, plums, cassis, needs at least 10-15 years, will last longer. 93

2006 Opus One

NOV 09 Bright ruby, light in colour for a Napa. Pure youth, a bit closed, leather, blackcurrants, cassis, cigar. Nice acidity, ripe and elegant tannins, very complex and intense, will need 20 years, great balance, long length. 93

2005 Opus One

JUN 13 Deep ruby. Scented, fruity, cassis and floral notes, quite intense, some mint and spices on the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, elegant, lively, refreshing, long and nuanced, layered. 95

2005 Opus One

MAR 10 Deep ruby, thin purple rim, youthful, paprika, cassis, vanilla, complex, fruit driven and very fresh. Vibrant acidity, mouthwatering, dark fruits, ripe tannins, complex, elegant and balanced, very long finish, needs 10-15 years minimum. 94

2005 Opus One

NOV 09 Deep ruby, lovely nose, almost Bordeaux, some blackcurrants, bell peppers, cigars, coffee, vanilla and white chocolate. Then spices, some anise and pepper. Very complex, typical cab. Very elegant structure, good acidity, ripe tannins, very pleasant and long finish. Very exciting. 94

2002 Opus One

NOV 09 Dark ruby, ruby rim. Some wet earth underneath, lots of blackcurrants, bell peppers, cigars, coffee and chocolate. Intense and elegant at the same time. Complex and balanced with good acidity and ripe big tannins. Long length. 91

1999 Opus One

NOV 13 Deep ruby. Intense nose, fruity, dark berries, vanilla and oak, tobacco notes, rich. Fruity palate, intense, spices, structured, ripe fruits, layered, long. 94

1997 Opus One
MAY 10 Deep and bright ruby, garnet rim. Leather and cassis, touch of liquorice and blueberries, touch of vanilla and chocolate. Massive tannins, ripe, but still massive, good acidity, huge structure, almost like a barrel sample, complex, long, and very dry with the tannins. This is pure youth, and really needs time, feels younger than a bottle I tasted with David Pearson of Opus One just a few weeks back. Exceptional wine! 95

1997 Opus One
MAR 10 Deep ruby, garnet rim, quite youthful and closed still, blackcurrants, pepper and liquorice, floral and coffee notes. Great balance, fantastic structure, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, cedar after a while in the glass, cigars, plums and prunes, elegant, and very long finish, wait another 6-10 years. 95

1994 Opus One

DEC 09 Ruby with pink rim. Fantastic nose, very clean and elegant fruit, slightly perfumed, roses, cassis, leather, cigars, paprika and perfect balance. Fresh and lively acidity, ripe tannins, beautiful fruit, great intensity, very long finish. Amazing how fresh and little development on this one. True beauty. Wish I had a case. 95

1993 Opus One
MAR 10 Deep ruby, thin brick rim, fine leather, more developed notes, complex, needs air to show, floral underneath, opens up into an intense floral garden, marvelous after a while, needs time to show, elegant tannins, fresh acidity, plums, great balance, quite seductive, even if not as expressive and layered as other Opus Ones. This is for ease of enjoyment rather than a study. 92

1992 Opus One

MAR 10 Deep ruby, garnet rim, gorgeous nose, very complex, tobacco, cedar, some vanilla, blackcurrants, hints of prunes, fine leather, developing aromas. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, great structure, fabulous balance, very elegant, some stone fruits, and fantastic length. Peaking about now and over the next five years, will last longer. 95

1989 Opus One

JAN 10 Ruby with thin orange rim. Blackcurrants, some vanilla, intense, cedar, tobacco, hints of leather and coffee, cigar. Great balance, elegant acidity, ripe tannins, the balance is exceptional, superb finish, perfection. There is something indescribable about this wine, so seductive, so perfect, something you can't describe, just like the 94 Opus. I wish I had more of this......a wine of dreams, words aren't enough. The people around the table was all astonished, and it was tasted blind. A MW came up with 82 Cheval Blanc as a suggestion.  99

1985 Opus One

JAN 10 Ruby with brick rim, some sediments. Dusty first, hints of raisins and prunes, then Asian spices, getting more intense after 15 minutes, sweet tobacco, leather and coffee. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, good balance, surprisingly lean body, very elegant and beautiful finish. For everyone that believes all American and New World wines have to be big, try this one. 92

1980 Opus One
MAR 19 Deep ruby, brick rim, some sediments, developed, dark fruits, chocolate, black tea, cigars, very elegant floral touch, kind of hanging above the rest, complex and deep. Good acidity, very mature tannins, sour cherries and stone fruit, leanish body, very vibrant, seductive nose, even herbs, incense, prunes and red plums, good length. 89