Still evident power and concentration running through the body of the wine, although salinity and soft cedar on the finish takes it into a more tertiary feel. An enjoyable see-saw between young and old, this feels firm and bright in what was an early harvest year. 38 days skin contact.

The 1992 Opus One, a blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Merlot, offers a beautiful dark ruby/purple color, a big, spicy nose of cassis, lead pencil, and smoky oak, round, full-bodied, broad, fat flavors crammed with black fruits, soft tannin, low acidity, and a fleshy, full-bodied finish. This rich wine confirms just how fine these wines have become since the 1990 vintage. Tel. (707) 944-9442

A mélange of dark raspberries, menthol, savory herbs and anise jump from the glass in the 1992 Opus One. The aromas are a little more advanced than the fruit, but the 1992 still has plenty of depth, richness and pure sensuality. Readers may want to give the 1992 a year or two to see if the tannins have a little more sweetness to give. In 1992 the blend is 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 3% Merlot.