Powerful, fragrant, black tea, crayon, soy, this was a cooler year of Napa where rain fell off and on through the season, and I am totally unapologetically a fan of what they achieved here at Opus. Yes there is a touch more earthiness on the aromatics than in other vintages, and perhaps it is more European in style, but it is totally charming, totally in the sweet spot to drink right now, delicate and yet with depth, filled with raspberry, blueberry and loganberry fruits, set against sage, orange peel and tobacco leaf. Harvest September 24 to October 24, with 40% of the fruit brought it before the heavy storms in early October, and a pause of a week before restarting. Michael Silacci director. 17 days skin contact.

This is very aromatic and pretty with plum, cherry and currant aromas, plus hints of chocolate. It's full-bodied, with soft, silky tannins and a clean, fresh finish. This is a subtly fruity, juicy red with a pretty texture. Drink or hold. For early drinking. 71% cabernet sauvignon, 11% merlot, 9% petit verdot, 8% cabernet franc and 1% malbec. - jamessuckling.com, May 2014

Bingo! This is the Cabernet jackpot, with excellent fruit expression as well as all those desirable Cabernet complexities: chocolate, mulch, cedar, black cherry. A really great old v new juxtaposition, showing the fruit of California and the breadth of Bordeaux. (RH)