84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 5% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec
75cl * 14% ABV * Napa Valley, California, US
Born of a meeting between Philippe de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi, Opus One has been at the forefront of the production of top quality Cabernet Sauvignon ever since. Combining their respective expertise, they sought to adapt Old World winemaking traditions to the Napa Valley, thus creating a Californian wine in the style of a Medoc first growth.
The result is a powerful, concentrated and focused wine with rich, juicy dark fruits. It is fragrant and floral on the nose, with lavender, lilac, violets and black cherries. The palate is brimming with ripe black fruits, fresh herbs, cassis, and a subtle hint of graphite. With 17 months in new French oak, the tannins are soft and round. There are layered notes of orange zest, dark chocolate and black olive that add to the complexity of the wine. The mouthfeel is full, yet balanced and refined, followed by a persistent finish.
Decant for at least two hours, and serve between 16-18°C . The tannins are present enough for the wine to express itself brilliantly alongside a good steak.
Drink now to 2040.
98 pts - Robert Parker
99 pts - James Suckling
94 pts - Wine Spectator
95 pts - Vinous
18/20 - Jancis Robinson