Opus One 2006

robert_parker93

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

The 2006 comes across as a bigger, more structured wine than the 2007. The tannins are bolder, more dramatic, and more present. The wine displays impressive depth, not the velvety elegance of the 2007, but is a more muscular wine that begs for 2-3 years of cellaring and should drink well for 20-25 years. Tel. (707)948-2425; fax (707) 948-2497

robert_parker94

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Not surprisingly, the 2006 is a bigger, more muscular, less charming effort displaying unbridled power, full-bodied richness, and notes of new saddle leather, black fruits, roasted herbs, and burning embers. Powerful and rich with sweet tannin, low acidity, and more structure and density than the 2005 as well as less nuance and complexity, the 2006 should be consumed over the next 15+ years. With a new winemaking team in place, and no longer any influence from the Mondavis, it is ironic that Opus One appears to have produced its greatest trilogy of vintages to date. This wine has always been more about sizzle than substance. While some top wines have emerged, others have been riddled with brett as well as lacking in concentration. That accusation can not be made against any of these three vintages. Tel. (707) 948-2425; Fax (707) 948-2497

robert_parker90

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted at Bibendum annual tasting in London. This has a rather smudged nose with the first impression being warmth from the alcohol. Rich dark fruit, creme de cassis, blueberry and a touch of apricot/honey. The palate is full-bodied with dense chewy tannins. There is fatness here, a sinewy/grippy mouthfeel of a Cabernet that wants to make an impression but does not have the requisite finesse or “economy of power”. Chewy finish. Don’t approach this for a few years, by which time I sincerely hope it mellows. Tasted May 2010.

vinous89

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

I expected the 2006 Opus One to be more reticent than it actually is. Dark plums, black cherries, licorice, tar and smoke all take shape as the 2006 opens up in the glass. Overall, this is a supple Opus One with good complexity but less of the personality of the best wines of the year. In 2006 the blend is 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec. The style is relatively juicy, partly owing to the highest presence of Merlot ever.

vinous93

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

(a five-variety Bordeaux blend based on 77% cabernet sauvignon) Saturated deep ruby. Cassis, bitter chocolate and sexy smoky oak on the nose. Dense and sweet but firmly structured, with lovely inner-mouth aromatic quality giving the wine sappy lift. Pure, penetrating flavors of cassis, lead pencil and bitter chocolate, with a sexy oak quality that I can only describe as Mouton-like. This is still quite tightly wound and will need several years of bottle aging to soften up (it won't be released until the fall of this year). The biggest change here has been our independence, said winemaker Michael Silacci, who took over winemaking responsibilities with the 2004 vintage; previously former partners Mouton-Rothschild and Robert Mondavi were involved in crafting this wine.

vinous91

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

Bright ruby-red. Dark raspberry, brown spices and some high-toned oakiness on the nose. Broad, suave and sweet; in a fat, mouthfilling style but not yet showing the same inner-mouth precision as the 2005. Finishes with substantial plush, dusty tannins.