Opus One 2005 Napa Valley

Wine Advocate Review
Rated 95
The opaque purple-hued 2005 exhibits an extraordinary nose of violets, creme de cassis, charcoal, and spring flowers. Gorgeously pure, opulently full-bodied, with sweet tannins, superb concentration, and a low acid, ripe, tannic finish, it tastes like a top-notch vintage of ripe Bordeaux, but made in California. It can be drunk now and over the next 20-25 years. Bravo!

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 
Rated 92
Bright ruby. Rather wild, claret-like aromas of currant, black raspberry, leather, dark chocolate, spices and tobacco. Then velvety in texture but also juicy and firmly structured, with mouthcoating flavors of dark berries, bitter cherry, minerals, cola and bitter chocolate. This elegantly styled wine really coats the mouth without coming off as overly sweet. Finishes with noteworthy spine and length. With extended aeration, this grew sweeter and creamier, with the black raspberry fruit taking over.

Wine Spectator
Rated 90
A tightly knit youngster, with hints of earthy cedar, tar and tobacco which join ripe currant, red cherry, anise, leather, sage and spice, ending with a strong, structured tannic finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Best from 2010 through 2016.

Wine Tasting Notes
Opus One tends to be remarkably expressive in its early youth, and the 2005 vintage is no exception. A voluptuous garnet, the 2005 offers concentrated aromas of blueberry, rose petals, white truffle, licorice and nutmeg. A silky entry combines with a moderately soft mid-palate to express supple texture and a fine balance of fruit and acidity. Flavors of cassis, black olives, raspberry and dark chocolate culminate in a long and luscious finish.

Cabernet Sauvignon 88%, Merlot 5%, Petit Verdot 3%, Cabernet Franc 3% and Malbec 1%