Winemaker Notes:  Already slowed by El Niño’s winter flooding, the growing season of 1998 extended into late October, promoting a very long ripening period for Opus One’s grapes. Supple and lush, the 1998 Opus One shows an opaque purple color and intense aromas of blackberries, vanilla, and roasted espresso and caramel. The wine offers a resilient middle body, with seamless texture and a long, persistent finish.