Certainly speaks of its appellation with the cedar and cigar and wonderfully just-ripe cassis. No expense spared on the nose, it would seem – and the palate is equally fine-tuned, made in a very accessible style that is entirely drinkable now. Perhaps falls a bit short in terms of length, but there is no doubting the pedigree of the ingredients and winemaking. Score: 17/20 Richard Hemming

Thrust and power married to suppleness. New oak a feature in 2015, but richness does well to mitigate. Paulliac personified, it feels. Dark berries, currants and black olive scents, overlay of clove and mahogany wood character adding depth to the bouquet. Richer than expected to taste, quietly powerful, saturates palate with dark, plummy fruit, well-meshed cedary-clove spice, pepper and graphite-tannins. Coursing, gently powerful wine that builds in intensity. An approachable wine now, you could say. A fuller expression. Mike Bennie The Wine Front 94 Points

The 2014 Opus One exudes subtle aromas of fragrant florals, fresh garden herbs and forest floor that give way to a concentrated blend of red cherry, blackberry and black currant. Fine-grained tannins offer a velvety texture and complex structure that builds to a long, vibrantly fresh finish with a touch of mocha. Enjoyable now, the wine will delight for years to come. Oakville, California: Home to some of the most sought-after Cabernet Sauvignon in America, Napa Valley's Oakville district stretches across the center of Napa's valley floor and foothills between the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountains. This AVA is home to the legendary To Kalon Vineyard and Martha's Vineyard, as well as many powerhouse wineries including Screaming Eagle, Silver Oak, Robert Mondavi, Opus One, Far Niente and Groth. The climate is generally warm and agreeable, resulting in year after year of favorable vintages. Summer days see a gentle tug of war between warmer inland air and the cool air coming in from the San Pablo Bay, creating an ideal environment to grow red varieties. Oakville's diverse soils, namely ancient sea bedrock, clay and gravel, are well-drained, and perfect for high-caliber viticulture. Cabernet here is often bottled varietally but is also popular in Bordeaux Blends. Oakville wines are known for their silky, sensual textures, structured tannins, dark and brooding fruit and lovely aromatics. These age-worthy and prestigious wines are favored by collectors throughout the world.

It would be difficult to find a more classically Médoc wine than this great Cantemerle, with its sustained power and refined elegance. A very deep color and subtle aromas underscore its youth. Once in the mouth, this rich and full-bodied wine releases notes of coffee, olives and licorice which are emphasized by an opulent and harmonious length. A fine wine which marries fullness and delicacy, while avoiding heaviness and excessive oak.

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