1988 Opus One

A layered, impeccably graceful wine, the 1988 Opus One is all about textural harmony and balance. Sweet, silky tannins wrap around the expressive fruit in a wine that stands out for its overall harmony. Dark plums, leather, tobacco and spices linger on the polished finish. This is another Opus One that relies more on balance than on pure size. The Cabernet Sauvignon is quite low in this vintage at 85%, while Cabernet Franc, at 13%, is much more pronounced. A dollop of Merlot rounds out the blend. (AG)

Medium to deep garnet-brick colour. Savoury/ earthy notes of soy, hung meat, sweaty leather, tobacco, truffle, a suggestion of cardamom and a slight medicinal/menthol character. The palate gives a high level of acidity with a medium level of silky tannins and a good concentration of spicy, savoury fruit. Long finish. (LPB)

While the best Opus One to date is the 1987, the 1988 is certainly one of the finest red wines I have tasted from this uninspiring vintage. Impressively dark ruby-colored, it reveals an attractive nose of currants and smoky new oak. In the mouth, the wine is medium-bodied, with excellent concentration, a velvety texture, soft tannins, low acidity, and a smooth, attractive finish. Although it is hard to resist now, it should age gracefully for 7-8 years.