Part of a Chateau Mouton Rothschild vertical from 1988-1990. This was my second time enjoying the 1990 vintage and, much like my previous experience, this was rather quiet early and then came on with the business, late. As before, a mix of red and black cassis, ripe and desiccated cherries, tobacco leaf, cedar box, old leather, damp earth, some mushrooms and baking spices. After two similar experiences, I believe this vintage needs a lot of patience and a lot of air to wake up. Without either, it will be misunderstood. Drink now through 2040+ — 5 hours ago
An outstanding wine that is drinking very well now. Powerful, but smooth and refined. Blackberries, cassis, dark chocolate, truffles, and cedar. Long, satisfying finish. — a month ago
1989 vintage. Top shoulder fill with 80% saturated cork. Not decanted. Excellent color. Tasted after one hour and two hours open. Dusty musty nose. Waifish Beychevelle body. Big cedar and stale cigar, sandalwood and cassis on the flavors. More stuffing than expected. Enduring, dirty finish. In a 750ml format, another 3-5 years to be gleaned at this high level. Larger format could extend out to 2035 at the latest. 11.01.24. — 20 hours ago
Medium ruby , hint of garnet , slight narrower rim , more garnet hue . Quite mineral , herbal tinged blackcurrant, seaside scents . Slightly aloof and austere, though this improves with time in the decanter . However on the palate this opens up with classic cedar tinged dark fruits , blackcurrant, grafite , sea shell and saline tinged. Complex , complete , classic , grafite and mineral tinged with pretty long length finish . Still slightly grippy tannins but these are well integrated and quite polished , fresh balanced acidity. This shows very well and is just coming into its prime drinking window, this also held up very well in decanter for the 4 hours we had it open , always retaining great freshness and verve. From now and over the next 10 to 15 years perhaps . — 3 days ago
The 2001 Opus One is a masterful blend that truly embodies the elegance and structure of Napa Valley wines. The deep ruby color is immediately captivating, and the nose opens with rich aromas of black currant, dark cherries, and subtle hints of tobacco and cedar. On the palate, it delivers an impeccably balanced experience, with layers of ripe blackberry, plum, and a touch of dark chocolate, all interwoven with earthy undertones and a refined minerality. — a month ago
1990 vintage. Excellent fill and halfway saturated cork. Used a Durand but surmise a regular waiter's friend, wielded carefully, could have done the trick with the cork. Decanted and tasted after 30 mins, one hour and two hours. Some obvious sed but not troublesome or overtly noticeable. Original owner-château direct on original release. Super cold cellar because this was lagging noticeably behind other '90's and LB's. Bigger tannic structure (for a generally feminine-styled house) than anything save a Latour, Mouton, Ducru Left Bank property. Even more guts than Lynch-Bages or Pichon-Baron '90's currently stored above 55 or so degrees. Surprising but made sense. Light-medium body. Appropriate color. 3-4 years left in this stage unless larger format in play. Slight, fleeting burst of richness in the frontal palate and a tad brickish and then it just flowed on, without speed bumps. A little cocoa powder and cedar/tobacco. Suspect 750ml specimens not stored as cold/religiously will be showing more in the 9.0-9.1 range and farther down the backside of the bell curve. 10.26.24. — 7 days ago
Ron Siegel
Black fruits showing currant, berry with sweet, savory spice, earth, cedar, leather & wet tobacco — 7 days ago