Deep ruby-red. Slightly musty aromas of dark berries, pepper and nutty oak, with a hint of vegetility lurking.Sweeter on the palate than the nose suggests, with syrupy dark fruit flavors compromised by veggie notes and an animal character. Rather clumsy-and not squeaky-clean. Finishes with dusty, drying tannins and a cloying sweetness. Recent vintages of this once-superb wine have been very disappointing.

The harvest of 2003 began on September 17th and concluded on November 2nd, the day before the start of heavy autumn rains. A moderately deep garnet, the 2003 Opus One offers aromas of blackberry, plum, hazelnut, graphite, olive oil, cocoa and dried cherries. The wine presents a soft entry with rich, flannel-like tannins; nuances of dark chocolate, black licorice and herbs linger on the finish.