It is hard to believe that it was a week ago that I had the incredible opportunity to visit one of the iconic wineries of the world, Opus One. It was a gorgeous day and setting to taste some absolutely scintillating new release wines. Opus One began in 1979 as a partnership between Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild and became the first ultra-premium California wine to be sold in France and Internationally. Opus produces only one wine and a second wine (Overature) – both of which are typically a Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Their estate includes part of the famed To-Kalon Vineyard, as well as other Oakville vineyards. Head winemaker Michael Silacci crafts an extraordinary wine. His 2012 and 2013 new releases were absolutely exceptional.
The 2012 Opus One (WWB, 98) was a silky and beautifully textured effort, which was mostly constructed of Cabernet. It was hedonistic and dense, while maintaining a feminine side that their 2013 release was not showing. A masculine and dense treat, the 2013 Opus One Red Wine (WWB, 99) was even more dense and massive, showing a cornucopia of dark fruit flavors, as this layered effort probably needs at least one more year in the bottle to show off its massive potential. Learn more about Opus One at http://www.opusonewinery.com/ Here are the gorgeous new release wines by Opus One.
2012 Opus One Red Wine- The 2012 Opus One is a stunning release from this storied Napa Valley producer. While there is intense fruit, it is hard to describe the silky texture and plush mouthfeel, which brings you back to the glass for more decadence. This blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 6%Petit Verdot, 6% Merlot and 2% Malbec begins with seductive aromatics of black cherry, crème de cassis, mocha, tar and anise, all coming together beautifully in the glass. There are vivid flavors of crème de cassis, blackberry, mocha, sage and black olive which lead to an exceedingly long, voluptuous finish. Overall, this possesses incredible poise and elegance, showing a simply gorgeous seamless quality throughout. While this is drinking beautifully at this stage, it certainly has the potential to cellar for two more decades, or even more. Drink 2016-2035- 98
2013 Opus One Red Wine- The 2013 Opus One is an absolute stunning release, and is certainly one of most impressive young wines I have ever tasted from this estate. This shows a darker, more forward profile from this warm vintage, and is clearly one to contemplate, as there are so many complexities and working parts to this compelling wine. This instantly impresses as it opens to intense aromatics of crème de cassis, black cherry, blackberry compote and black plum woven together with mocha, sandalwood. The mouthfeel is voluptuous and beautifully concenrated with deep and penetrating flavors of black cherry, créme de cassis, blackberry cobbler, anise, sage and anise, which all resonate beautifully across the palate. This is already extreamly appealing, but try to resist this hedonistic wine for at least another few years, as there is undoubtedly a long future ahead. Drink 2017-2035- 99