Features
Name:
Opus One Napa Valley 2019
Terrain:
Clay-gravelly
Cellar
Opus One was born in 1979 from a precious collaboration between the baron-owner of Chateau Mouton Rothschild and Robert Mondavi, one of the most important faces in American oenology, giving rise to one of the most important wineries in Napa Valley. The objective from the outset was to tell the story of the uniqueness and potential of this New World territory through two great icons in the world of wine, i.e. favouring a Bordeaux-style approach, starting with the use of international grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. The spectacular Oakville estate was built between 1989 and 1991 and is an architectural but also functional jewel, where the most expensive wines in the world were produced.
Description
Opus One represents a Napa Valley oenological masterpiece, an icon among Californian wines. It comes to life in the 4 parcels that make up the vineyard located in the highly vocated Oakville area. The vineyards, over 80% planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, are managed with an environmentally sustainable approach and certified 'Napa Green'. Grapes are processed exclusively from a single vineyard; they are carefully selected and brought to the winery, where an 'optical sorter' camera analyses the size, defects and colour of each berry. All processes are carried out by Opus One staff oenologists using the effect of gravity, starting with the steel press located on the ground floor and the fermentation tanks and barriques located on the lower floor. The consistency, length and richness of this wine are impressive, a wine of great elegance and very long longevity, requiring several years of rest in the cellar to develop its extraordinary aromatic bouquet.
Organoleptic characteristics:
Dense ruby red with violet hues. Delicate notes of black plum, blueberry, blackcurrant and rose petals accentuated by mineral nuances and nuances of chocolate and coffee and earthy touches. On the palate it is creamy with a silky texture fine tannins and carry a real roundness accompanied by an amazing length and regularity in the mouth where the aromas of dark fruits, herbs, coffee and cocoa resurface while maintaining a soft freshness.
Storage time:
over ten years
Vinification
Harvested in late September, the grapes are gently pressed and the skins remain in contact with the must for about 20 days, fermenting in steel tanks. Maturation continues in French oak barrels for 18 months, while a further 15 months of bottle ageing are required before release from the cellar.
Acknowledgements
2019 Wine Spectator 95/100
2019 James Suckling 99/100
2019 Vinous97/100
