Opus One 2004
Opus One 2004 is a 14.5% ABV Napa Valley Bordeaux-style blend — 86% Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec — from the first vintage made entirely under the estate's own vineyard crew. The early, compact 2004 harvest ended October 1 with the lowest per-acre yield since 1987, and the wine aged 17 months in 100% new French oak. Dark ruby with aromas of violets, cedar, black tea, and cassis, it remains intensely youthful. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 14.5%
- Size: 750mL
- Blend: 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec
- Aging: 17 months in 100% new French oak; 14 months in bottle before release
- Vintage: 2004 — early compact harvest, lowest yield since 1987
- Scores: DEC 97 · RP 96 · WS 93 · VM 93
The First Fully Estate-Controlled Vintage
2004 is a landmark for Opus One: the first vintage under the estate's entire control, with its own vineyard crew able to react throughout the growing season. It was also the year the winery joined La Place de Bordeaux — and the year Robert Mondavi's 50% stake passed to Constellation. Under Philippe Dhalluin's administration, the 2004 is part of the celebrated "new wave" of Opus Ones, intense and age-worthy. Compare it with other great Napa reds in our Cabernet Sauvignon selection.
Tasting Notes
Lustrous dark ruby. The nose shows violets, cedar, black tea leaves, black pepper, and brioche; lead pencil shavings, black currants, and toasty oak emerge in the glass. The entry is soft and creamy, giving way to a concentrated mid-palate of cassis, toffee, and cocoa, with intense fruit, bright acid, and sturdy tannins on the long finish.
How to Enjoy
Decant 1–2 hours and serve at 60–65°F. Superb with ribeye, lamb, osso buco, and aged Gouda. This wine still has structure and a long drinking window — 2019–2034 per Decanter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the scores for Opus One 2004?
Decanter 97, Robert Parker 96, Wine Spectator 93, Vinous 93 — one of the highest-rated Opus One vintages of the era.
What is the blend of Opus One 2004?
86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec, aged 17 months in 100% new French oak.
How long will Opus One 2004 age?
Critics give it a drinking window through 2034 — it's still showing youthful intensity with firm tannins.
What is the alcohol content of Opus One 2004?
14.5% ABV.
San Diego's cult-wine destination: order Opus One 2004 from Del Mesa Liquor today.