The 1985 Opus One has consistently performed between 88-90 points. It exhibits a healthy dark ruby color with no signs of age. The nose has not budged much from when it was first bottled. The delicate yet attractive fragrance of vanilla, herbs, cassis, and spices is followed by a sculptured, fruity, medium to full-bodied wine with crisp acidity, moderate tannin, and good depth. While very good, possibly excellent, it lacks the extra dimension of flavor and personality necessary to merit an outstanding rating. Drink it over the next 5-7 years. It seems to me that vintages since 1990 have been markedly superior.

Tasted from magnum. A bit stalky, with raw, edgy tannins, but it holds together and there's enough cherry and currant fruit, along with herb and anise shadings, to hold your interest.--1985 California Cabernet retrospective. Drink now through 2008. 11,500 cases made. -JL