Mondavi Opus One 2015 Magnum

Parker: “This wine was too much—too much like a caricature for me,” winemaker Michael Silacci confessed to me while tasting the 2015 Opus One together again recently. “So, when we took it out of barrel to prepare for bottling we added a few more components.” Medium to deep garnet-purple color, it bursts from the glass with beautiful violets, lavender, rose hip tea and chocolate-covered cherries scents over a core of crushed blackberries, black cherries, cassis and iron ore. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is wonderfully bright and crunchy, with bags of fresh black and red berries and a wonderfully plush, finely grained texture, finishing long and fragrant. 97/100 (2019)

Lobenberg: Intensives Bouquet von süßem Lakritz und Unmengen reifer schwarzer Beeren, im Gaumen samtig, opulent und voller Stoff. Weißer Pfeffer, Schwarztee. Cremige Textur und reife Fruchtaromen. Ein Hauch von Gerbstoff. Raffiniert, finessereich, überaus balanciert und langlebig. 97-100/100

Suckling: Purity and brilliance on the nose with so much currant and flower character. Roses, currant bush and fresh leaves, too. Brightness is the word that comes to mind. Full-bodied and broad-shouldered. Juicy and so gorgeous now. Balance is so wonderful here. All about harmonious fruit and tannin balance. I like it slightly better than the excellent 2014. 81% cabernet sauvignon, 4% petit verdot, 7% cabernet franc, 6% merlot and 2% malbec. Drink or hold. 98/100 (2018)