88 pts - Wine Advocate
While it is a big, rich effort, the 1999 Opus One exhibits a distinct earthiness as well as a sweaty saddle-like characteristic. It builds nicely on the attack and mid-palate, but finishes short, displaying hints of herbs, chocolate, and black currants. Drink this medium-bodied offering now and over the next 7-8 years. - Robert M. Parker, Jr. (23-12-2003)
93 pts - Wine Spectator
An exquisite, complex, stylish wine, wearing a cloak of earthy, leathery tannins around flavors of mineral, currant, earth and blackberry. Gains intensity and shows its depth and concentration on the finish, which is long and detailed. Best from 2004 through 2012. 24,000 cases made. –JL WS
92 pts - Vinous
Deep red-ruby. Sappy nose combines currant, smoked meat, tobacco and exotic spices. Rich, sweet and tactile, with complex, tangy flavors of crystallized blackcurrant, caraway seed and smoked meat. Unlike most Bordeaux blends from California, this shows little greenness or gratuitous oak and the finish builds impressively. A very suave wine that finishes with fine, spreading tannins.- Stephen Tanzer (11/22)