Opus One 1500ml - 2011
Opus One 1500ml - 2011
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Grape Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec
Country & Region: USA | Napa Valley
Alcohol Level (%): 14
Bottle Size: 1500ml
Details
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. This singular mission shapes every vintage, today and for generations to come.
The essence of time is expressed in Opus One by the character of each vintage. 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.
Winemaker notes
2019: The Opus One 2019 has intense aromas of black plum, blueberry, black currant, and dried rose petals, accentuated by mineral undertones. The creamy, satiny texture is framed by fine-grained tannins. The freshness and soft glow of acidity create a subtle tension with dark fruit flavors, savory herbs, espresso, and cocoa. A delicate dark chocolate bitterness lingers on the finish.
2011
James Suckling 92: This is very aromatic and pretty with plum, cherry and currant aromas, plus hints of chocolate. It's full-bodied, with soft, silky tannins and a clean, fresh finish. This is a subtly fruity, juicy red with a pretty texture. Drink or hold. For early drinking. 71% cabernet sauvignon, 11% merlot, 9% petit verdot, 8% cabernet franc and 1% malbec.
Vinous 93: The 2011 Opus One is an elegant, lithe wine. Floral and savory aromatics lend freshness to this understated, classy Opus One. Sweet red berry fruit, dried herbs, blood orange and cinnamon lend notable complexity from start to finish. I imagine the 2011 will drink beautifully for another 10-15 years, maybe more. The 2011 has softened quite a bit over the last decade.
Decanter 94: The silkiness of the tannins is striking, with nuanced blueberry and raspberry fruit that gives a wine full of light. A vintage where rain fell off and on, and overall this is a little fresher and less concentrated than many of the wines around it, but it has charm and nuance and is a lovely counterpoint, giving a sense of pace and vintage variation to the line-up, which can definitely be read as a nod to its European side. Another one where I have to admit that I find some beauty in what is a fresher style, and it's certainly one to note to begin to open over the next few years. It will still age, don't worry, this is still packed full of black tea notes and touches of black chocolate and cedar glamour. 1% Malbec, 9% Petit Verdot completes the blend, 17 days skin contact.
2019
Wine Advocate 97-99: Winemaker Michael Silacci commented that usually the blends are finished in January or February after the vintage. This year, with the 2019s, he was still tweaking the blend, but he did mention that this is "pretty close to the final blend." Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 Opus One leaps from the glass with notes of Black Forest cake, Morello cherries, mulberries and fresh blackcurrants plus hints of licorice, wilted roses, Sichuan pepper and iron ore. Full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with juicy black, blue and red fruits, framed by velvety tannins and background freshness, finishing on a compelling earthy/mineral note. Tasted as a barrel sample, this is a truly magnificent Opus One in the making!
James Suckling 99: The purity of fruit is really something else here, with currants and fresh flowers, such as violets and roses. Flower stems as well. Fantastic length and structure to the wine, with tightness and focus. Wonderful fruit. Graceful. A blend of 78% cabernet sauvignon, 8% merlot, 7% petit verdot, 6% cabernet franc and 1% malbec. Try after 2028.
Vinous 94-97: 2019 Opus One is a wine of presence, vibrancy and stature. Those qualities stand out in stark contrast next to the more suave 2018. Bright red/purplish fruit, rose petal, lavender, sage, mint and blood orange add energy as the 2019 starts to open in the glass. I can't wait to taste it in bottle. In 2019, virtually all of the fruit (96%) is from To Kalon blocks.
