"A classic wine with the purity and beauty of the best of the vintage" James Suckling - 99 Points
The now-legendary Opus One is the realized dream of two men: Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Chateau Mouton Rothschild in Bordeaux and Napa Valley vintner Robert Mondavi. Together, the founders set out to create a single wine dedicated to the pursuit of uncompromising quality.
Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe Rothschild became friends in 1970, and combined their winemaking nous in 1979 to create a vintage that was an instant hit with wine lovers on both sides of the Atlantic. Released in 1984, it was the most expensive Californian wine of the time, costing a then-unprecedented $50 per bottle.
The estate vineyards of Opus One, comprised of 4 parcels, sit in the western portion of the famed Oakville appellation. Two parcels, totaling 100 acres, are within the renowned To Kalon Vineyard. These are complemented by the combined 70 acres of the Ballestra and River parcels, which envelop the winery. In the vineyards, hand-harvesting and other traditional approaches are taken wherever they work best. When modern techniques benefit the winegrowing process, they are researched, evaluated and integrated into practice.
The Opus One 2019 has intense aromas of black plum, blueberry, black currant, and dried rose petals, accentuated by mineral undertones. Fine-grained tannins frame the creamy, satiny texture. The freshness and soft glow of acidity create a subtle tension with dark fruit flavours, savoury herbs, espresso, and cocoa. A delicate dark chocolate bitterness lingers on the finish.
78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec