A few weeks go I had the great opportunity to visit one of the iconic wineries of the world, Opus One. It was a gorgeous day and setting to taste their absolutely scintillating new release wines. Opus One was started 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 (Overture) – 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 has been at the helm since 2001 and crafts an extraordinary wine. I was fortunate enough to try several older vintages in the past few months and I have included my tasting notes from those settings.
The 2008 Opus One (WWB, 98) was a stunning effort that is marvelous now but has a long life ahead of it in the cellar. Blue fruit tones were found in that wine as well as their 2007 Opus One (WWB, 98) which is utterly captivating at the twelve year mark. Their 2013 Opus One (WWB, 96) needs a bit of time in the cellar to fully come together but I was amazed how great the 2015 Opus One (WWB, 98) showed in its hedonistic youth. . Learn more about Opus One at http://www.opusonewinery.com/ Here are the gorgeous new release wines by Opus One.
2005 Opus One Red Wine- The 2005 Opus One Red Wine is a scintillating bottling by the talented Michael Silacci. Showing off an inky core this stunning wine opens with aromas of wild mushroom, red bell pepper, pipe tobacco and leather with Creme de cassis that all are marvelously woven together in the glass. The palate is dense and plush, taking on a wonderful brightness and texture. Graphite, sandalwood, anise and blackberry compote with shades of blueberry cordial and espresso bean all give this an exotic edge The exceedingly long black fruit and mineral driven finish lingers long on the tongue. Showing some refined tannins and wonderful richness this beautiful wine is just starting to hit its peak but will cellar well for decades. Drink 2019-2040- 97
2007 Opus One Red Wine- The 2007 Opus One Red Wine is a scintillating bottling at the twelve year mark. On the nose this takes on decadent chocolate cake with blueberry pie and shades of graphite with tar that all collide in the glass. The texture is refined as this wine shows an incredible elegance. Blueberry compote, Turkish coffee, and dark chocolate shavings with sweet pope tobacco all sing in harmony on the palate. While rich and refined at this stage, the 2007 Opus One will provide drinking enjoyment over the next two plus decades. The seamless quality and viscosity of this wine flirts with perfection Drink 2019-2044- 98
2008 Opus One Red Wine- The 2008 Opus One red wine is up there with the finest wines produced from this storied state. Seductive, rich and utterly captivating, this is one of the silkier efforts that I have tried from superstar winemaker Michael Silacci. On the nose there are highly perfumed aromas of violets that collide with shades of Turkish coffee, anise and creme de cassis. An intriguing vein of blueberry compote greets you on the palate. Plush and round, showing an exceedingly soft mouthfeel, the wine delivers copious dark fruits that mingle with dark chocolate shavings, creosote and blueberry tones. While quite dense the brightness and elegance of this wine is apparent. Seductive now at the eleven year mark, this stunning bottling will have an exceedingly long life ahead of it. Drink 2019-2040- 98
2010 Opus One Red Wine- The 2010 Opus One Red Wine is a simply magical wine from this slightly cooler vintage in the Napa Valley. The wine begins with suggestions of red bell pepper and anise aromas that mingle with the dark fruits and chocolate tones on the nose. The silky, pillowy mouthfeel is exquisite. Mocha, Creme de cassis, anise and creosote flavors all mingle together with a bright sense of minerality on the palate. The freshness imparted is wonderful. At nine years of age this is just an infant — but it is also highly difficult to resist. Drink 2019-2040- 96
2013 Opus One Red Wine- The 2013 Opus One is an incredible effort that is one of the most massive renditions of this wine I have tasted. On the nose there are deep tar aromas that mingle with shades of sagebrush, mocha and creme de cassis. The silky texture really entices, as does the soft mouthfeel. Massive dark fruits connect with shades of tar, leather, black cherry compote and creme de cassis on the palate. This beautiful wine is still just a baby and has an exceedingly long life ahead of it. You might want to hold off for another couple of years. Drink 2021-2040- 96
2015 Opus One Red Wine- The 2015 Opus One is a monumental wine that is up there with the best that they have produced. Head winemaker Michael Silacci has deftly blended Cabernet Sauvignon (81%) with Cabernet Franc (7%), Merlot (6%), Petit Verdot (4%) and Malbec (2%) to create a stunning Opus One red wine. The nose is highly complex and downright intoxicating showing off creme de cassis, mocha, tar, and shades of Turkish coffee that all build in the glass. There is a seamless quality to the wine that really impresses. Soft and round across the mid-palate, the wine reveals Asian spices. The palate is silky and spumous as the wine shows off an exotic edge with Turkish coffee, black tea, anise and creme de cassis that all impress. The wine finishes strong with minerals and black fruits. Enjoy this beautiful wine over the next twenty years. Drink 2020-2040- 98