Opus One 2016

Opus One is arguably Napa's most famous winery. It was established in 1979 as a joint venture between Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi. Their goal was to craft a wine that combined the intensity and fruit purity of Napa, with the elegance of top Bordeaux. Today it is one of the most iconic and revered wines made in California, and the world. Opus One, like any great work, arose out of passion. Dedicated to uncompromised quality, Opus One’s sole purpose is to express this vision and passionate spirit for generations to come.

Opus One is the shared dream turned reality, a testament to absolute quality in winemaking. It is the result of the vision and collaboration between two iconic figures in the wine world: Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Chateau Mouton Rothschild in Bordeaux and Napa Valley vintner Robert Mondavi. Together, they set out to create a single wine that would embody uncompromising quality, a mission that continues to shape each vintage.

Opus One is an expression of time and place, capturing the essence of each vintage and the unique terroir in which it is cultivated. The character of the wine reflects the geography, climate and the human touch that defines its balance between power and finesse, structure and texture. It is a harmonious fusion of nature and the winemaker's artistry. The winery itself stands as a graceful tribute to the founders' vision, rising majestically from the vineyards. It pays homage to the land and the open space that surrounds it, a constant reminder of the transcendent nature of Opus One. This singular wine is built to honour their dream and to be enjoyed by generations to come. The foundations of Opus One are firmly rooted in the vineyards. Great winemaking begins here, where four meticulously hedged parcels form the estate. These vineyards, located in the renowned Oakville AVA, include two parcels within the esteemed To Kalon Vineyard and the Ballestra and River parcels that envelop the winery. Traditional approaches, such as hand-harvesting, are employed when appropriate, while modern techniques are embraced when they enhance the winegrowing process.

The Opus One winery itself is a harmonious blend of architecture and nature. Rising gently from the earth, it seamlessly integrates with its surroundings, offering a seamless transition from the vineyard to its lush green exterior. Just as it honours the land, it embraces the light, creating an environment where great winemaking truly begins. Opus One is the embodiment of a shared dream and a commitment to excellence. With each vintage, the complex subtleties of Opus One are refined, blending tradition with innovation to create a wine that is timeless and extraordinary. It is a testament to the art of winemaking, where delicate coaxing and gentle restraint bring forth the unique characteristics of each vintage. Opus One stands as a symbol of passion, dedication and the enduring pursuit of unparalleled quality.

Opus One 2016 is a wine that immediately captivates with its fantastic and complex aromas. The nose reveals a symphony of blackcurrants and blueberries, interwoven with subtle herbal notes of basil and bay leaf. These aromas create a captivating and multi-dimensional bouquet that is both alluring and enticing. On the palate, Opus One 2016 showcases its full-bodied nature, yet it remains remarkably linear and refined. The wine possesses a sense of precision and focus, with each sip delivering a seamless and harmonious experience. The finish is incredibly persistent, leaving a lasting impression on the palate. Opus One 2016 exhibits drive and brightness, showcasing a wine that is vibrant and full of life. The refinement of this vintage is truly remarkable, as it displays a level of elegance and sophistication that is unmatched. The wine continues to evolve on the palate, revealing its layers of complexity and depth. While Opus One 2016 is already showing great potential, it is a wine that will benefit from further aging. It is recommended to allow this vintage to mature for at least three to five years, as it will continue to integrate and develop, revealing even more of its true character and potential.

Fantastic aromas that are complex and complete with blackcurrants, blueberries and herbs, such as basil and bay leaf. But always subtle. Full-bodied yet linear and very refined with a very persistent finish. It shows drive and brightness. So refined at the end. Needs at least three to five years to come together - James Suckling, 99 Points 

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec
Country - United States
Region - Napa Valley, California
Vintage - 2016
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14.5%