Today we share one of Napa’s most famous wineries. A famed partnership between Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild, Opus One crafted their first vintage in 1979. At the time Opus One was the first ultra-premium California wine to be sold in France and Internationally. Opus One 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. Opus One sources from four estate vineyards. This includes two sites comprising roughly 100 acres within the famed ‘To Kalon Vineyard’ and their ‘Ballestra’ and ‘River’ parcels comprising 70 acres which envelop the winery.
I recently had an Opus One from the 1980s that was still showing brilliantly. These wines cellar 20 years or more easily. I was blown away with the new 2022 Opus One (OB, 97) which is one of the most impressive wines from this vintage that I have tasted. This beauty is already showing so well. During the tasting I had the chance to taste the scintillating 2012 Opus One (OB, 99) which flirts with perfection and is really coming into its own. Learn more about Opus One at http://www.opusonewinery.com/ Here are my notes of the gorgeous releases by Opus One.
2012 Opus One Red Wine- The 2012 Opus One is a stunning rendition of this wine that is glorious now at the thirteen year mark. This is delightfully Bordelaise on the nose with red bell pepper, green peppercorns and shades of red currants. This is seamless wine throughout the drinking experience. Soft, with loads of tension, richness and salty nuance, this is a totally head-turning wine that will continue to live on for at least another ten to fifteen years. Drink 2025-2040- 99
2019 Opus One Red Wine- The 2019 Opus One is really coming into its own right now. This is marvelously herbal offering bay leaf tones on the nose with orange bell pepper, tar, anise and tobacco leaf. The palate is lush and round with a refined texture and great sense of tension. Creme de cassis and violets mark the palate alongside mocha and a graphite edge. Drink 2025-2045- 98
2022 Opus One Red Wine- The sensational 2022 Opus One is a brilliant wine from a challenging vintage. Kirsch, red florals and dark currants combine with damp loamy soils and red bell pepper notes on the nose. The palate is plush and polished with serious texture with serous poise and body. A sensational achievement in 2022, this has to be one of the great wines from the vintage. This is remarkably good to enjoy now. Drink 2025-2040- 97
2022 Opus One ‘Overture’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Overture’ is now the second year that they have made this as a vintage wine. It is well-textured and fresh wine with loads of dark fruits and espresso ground flavors alongside good verve. Drinking beautifully now, enjoy now and over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2025-2035- 94