One of the vintages of the decade, and this remains luscious, concentrated, easy to fall in love with. Incense, sandalwood, cocoa bean, cigar box, crushed mint, olive tapenade, graphite, pencil lead, sea spray, classic Cabernet Sauvignon check boxes, real kick of spice on the finish, stretches out with great tannic arcitecture and a cushion of fresh acidities. Trace of heat on the finish, takes it in its stride, generous but measured. 100% new French oak for ageing, 20 days skin contact, Michael Silacci winemaker.

I loved the 2007 Opus One, which certainly brings another level of richness and opulence compared to previous vintages. Cassis, lavender, dried flowers, and cedar are just some of its nuances, and this full-bodied, deep, velvety, uber-sexy 2007 is drinking perfectly today. It shows the ripe, up-front style of the vintage while staying nicely balanced. It should keep through 2032, although there’s no need to delay gratification.

There is so much to like about the 2007 Opus One. A wine that captures the essence of the year, the 2007 is exotic, flashy and striking. Kirsch, rose petals, pomegranates and spices form a fabric of compelling beauty. The 2007 is rich, sumptuous and generous, just as it should be. Threads of striking perfume are woven throughout, adding aromatic lift and pure sensuality. Readers who like more structured wines are likely to gravitate towards vintages such as 2010, but years like 2007 offer immense pleasure and an immediacy I find impossible to resist. A sumptuous, layered finish rounds things out in stunning style. The blend is 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec.

Two of the strongest wines ever made at Opus One, the 2007 has terrific black currant fruit, licorice, incense, and subtle smoke, an opulent, even voluptuous mouthfeel, dazzling purity and texture, and a skyscraper-like mouthfeel. This is a sensational Opus One, with sweet tannin and impressive precision and depth. It can be drunk now or cellared for 25+ years. Tel. (707)948-2425; fax (707) 948-2497

Deep red-ruby. Very sexy, perfumed aromas of ripe black raspberry, roast coffee and flowers; there's a wildness here that I find compelling. Quite fresh and juicy in the mouth, but with a slightly exotic character to the dark berry, black cherry, smoky oak and bitter chocolate flavors. Not a fat style of 2007 but perfumed and energetic. Most impressive today on the firm, long finish, where substantial ripe tannins reach the front teeth. Built for a long evolution in bottle. I'd love to compare this against the 2006 in ten years.