The last of the "drought" years and a rather warm one at that, the resolute nature of these impeccably tended Oakville vines is apparent in the complex layers, beautiful freshness and rock-solid frame of this wine.Rare Magnums (1.5L) of the Opus One 2017 now available – limited.Įxtremely perfumed and floral with lavender, lilacs and violets to the sweet, ripe berries, such as blackberries and blackcurrants. (LPB) (10/2019)Ĭall it a hat trick: Opus One knocks it out of the park with three excellent, if very different, takes on the the last string of vintages: 2015, 20.Īlready previously reviewed as a barrel sample, the 2015 was a show-stopper from barrel and is equally impressive in bottle. Medium-bodied, the palate has a lively skip in its step, featuring bags of juicy raspberry and cassis-laced fruit and a refreshing line, supported by ripe, plush tannins, finishing long and graceful. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it slowly grows on the nose, revealing compelling notes of baked black cherries, mulberries, black raspberries, warm cassis and blackberry pie with nuances of spice cake, yeast extract, tapenade, licorice and dusty soil with a waft of wild sage. The 2017 Opus One, bottled in July 2019, is a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8.5% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4.5% Merlot and 1% Malbec. Outer quote mark Opus One had picked 91% of their fruit before the fires started in 2017, and only two lots were eliminated from consideration. Medium-to full-bodied, round and savory with creamy, juicy tannins. Lots of currant and floral notes on the nose. Harvest spread out over September 5 to October 8, just before the fires, by which time they had less than 10% of the fruit still out on the vines. 5% Merlot and 1% Malbec complete the blend. 54% native yeast, as part of their native yeast project. 20 days maceration - around half what it would have been a decade ago.
As the wine stays in the glass the floral aromatics begin to bloom up. When modern techniques benefit the winegrowing process, they are researched, evaluated and integrated into practice In the vineyards, hand-harvesting and other traditional approaches are taken wherever they work best. These are complemented by the combined 70 acres of the Ballestra and River parcels, which envelop the winery. Two parcels, totaling 100 acres, are within the renowned To Kalon Vineyard. The estate vineyards of Opus One, comprised of four parcels, sit in the western portion of the famed Oakville AVA in Napa Valley. It remains an ongoing testament to the founders’ vision of a singular wine that transcends generations. Rising gracefully from the vineyards, Opus One winery stands in subtle celebration of the land and the open space that surrounds the estate. After 18 months, the Opus One wine is bottled and held an additional 15 months until release on October 1st each year. From tasting berries to careful sorting and extended aging in new French oak barrels, each stage of the winemaking process is afforded the same meticulous consideration and attention. Guided by the vision of our founders, winemaker Michael Silacci combines intuition and technical acumen with the dual perspective of viticulturist and winemaker. Place, often defined as terroir, represents the geography, the climate and the essential human element which is captured in the wine’s balance between power and finesse, structure and texture. The essence of time is expressed in Opus One wine by the character of each vintage. The facial profile of the two founders is visible on their iconic label.
Producing luxury wines from its Napa Valley vineyards, the partnership made its first vintage in 1979 and has made wine at Opus One since 1991. Opus One is a partnership founded by Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Chateau Mouton Rothschild in Pauillac, France, and renowned Napa Valley vintner, Robert Mondavi. A supremely age-worthy wine, it will delight now and for many years to come. The fine-grained, plush tannins evolve into a long, supple finish. This seductive wine shows flavors of black cassis, black cherry and a hint of cocoa powder. The juicy entry offers a round, silky mouthfeel with just enough acidity to complement the satin texture.
The Opus One 2017 offers a harmonious aromatic balance of rich dark fruit, stems of roses, and earthy forest floor.
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