Opus One

[ngatti]

I just bought a bottle of 1997 Opus One for a gift. Those of you who know me, know that I'm an absolute amateur at this (knowing just enough to get me into trouble ).

Did I do good? Be brutally honest please.

Nick

[Robert Nesta Marley]

......uh, how much did you spend? and for whom is this gift? someone who really knows wine?

and why oh why did you go out and do this without asking us first, dear?

[ngatti]

82.00

It's a dear aquaintance and the occasion is an apology.

I think so. At any rate more than I do

I guess I just lost my head.

Nick

[Rosie]

Lowell and I had a private tour of the Opus One winery. The place is gorgeous and the wine is treated like a baby. But we weren't impressed with the wine-- liked other Mondavi wines much more. I don't understand what the hype is about. Sorry to be brutally honest but it's just my opinion. However, I think that you are giving a very generous gift and enough people like the wine to keep the price where it is.

[GordonCooks]

I like Opus, but I don't love Opus. I think you did wonderful in the "Wow Gift" dept.

I would rather spend a couple more bucks for Bordeaux or a few bucks less on 98 Viader

[Beachfan]

I like Opus a lot in 1994 and 1996 but not 1997 (surprising given the strenght of the vintage). However, you paid a good price; it's usually over 110 dollars.

[stefanyb]

82.00

It's a dear aquaintance and the occasion is an apology.

I think so.  At any rate more than I do

I guess I just lost my head.

Nick

Nick,

Your break knife should have bought you the Opus as an apology.

[mogsob]

Giving wine as a gift is always difficult. Table wines are obviously not appropriate, no matter what the cost as their image is not suitable for purpose. So no matter how good the wine, a Chianti is still a Chianti.

Opus One, while not a personal favourite, is somewhat a cult California wine, so perfectly suitable to gift giving.

Personally, I like to give a good Sauternes or vintage Champagne if I am giving wine as a gift.

[Steve Plotnicki]

I'm with Gordoncooks on this one. It's a great "wow" gift for those who don't know much, and who would like to know more about wine. But you could have done much better if you were buying a bottle to drink yourself.

[ngatti]

Thanks all. I appreciate all the input. I'm sending the bottle to the table this evening.

Thanks

Nick

[Wilfrid]

Anyone wants to give me a bottle of Opus One, I confirm that I don't know much and will be suitably wowed.

[malarkey]

Personally, I like to give a good Sauternes or vintage Champagne if I am giving wine as a gift.

Can I be your friend?

[ngatti]

Thank you all for the input. I sent the bottle out this evening. Apology was accepted in spades and I feel better.

This doesn't mean that I have to reply in kind to everyone on eGullet that I may have offended, does it?

Thanks

Nick

PS: SP, some suggestions on what I should buy for myself...please?

[cmvnapa]

Thank you all for the input.  I sent the bottle out this evening.  Apology was accepted in spades and I feel better.

This doesn't mean that I have to reply in kind to everyone on eGullet that I may have offended, does it?      

Thanks

Nick

PS:  SP, some suggestions on what I should buy for myself...please?

I have a few cases of Opus that I'll probably leave to my children (used to work at RMW). Good to hear that the 1994 is drinking OK as that was the last vintage I received as a gift - also have 1982 and some other assorted vintages in beween.