The 2009 Opus One is impeccable. It brings together the silkiness of the 2007 with the power and darkness of the 2008, a combination that is hugely appealing, to say the least. With a little air, the 2009 can be enjoyed young, but it is best cellared for at least a few years, which will allow some of the baby fat to drop off. The blend is 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot and 1% Malbec.

Love the crayon, pencil lead, cocoa bean dominance, along with fragrant peony and iris flower aromatics. Lean black fruit, cassis bud and rose stems, focusing on fragrance and spice. Tannic structure is gentle, almost entirely integrated at 15 years old, and it is in a sweet spot for drinking. Less concentrated than some. Harvest September 21 to October 20 after a record rainy month, 20 days skin contact. Michael Silacci director. Opus picks relatively early for Napa, and so had most of the grapes in the cellar before the second round of rain came.

Along the same lines as the 2008, the 2009 Opus One is balanced and elegant, with a mature feel in its darker fruits as well as herbal, coffee, and chocolaty nuances. In general, most 2009s are drinking nicely today, and this certainly seems to be right in the middle of its prime drink window. Drink bottles over the coming decade.

Bright, dark red with ruby highlights. Very dark aromas of black cherry, cassis, blueberry and licorice. Then rather plush, sweet and full for Opus One, conveying a chocolatey ripeness to its dark berry flavors. Finishes with smooth tannins that build without going dry. This wine was broad and smooth from the outset. Today it's a generous mouthful but a bit clunky compared to some more recent vintages. This was reportedly the first vintage to include a significant percentage of Petit Verdot, and that may explain the wine's emphasis on black and blue fruits. (14.5% alcohol)