![]() Wine legends Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild founded Opus One in 1979. “I think it is a well-designed change for this winery that is minimally impactful,” Commissioner Michael Basayne said before the commission granted unanimous approval. Opus One wins expansion approval - Opus One winery convinced county Planning Commissioners on Wednesday that its success warrants doubling wine production and making other changes, despite some public concerns about cumulative impacts. A supremely age-worthy wine, it will delight now and for many years to come.Ĭabernet Sauvignon 80%, Petit Verdot 9%, Cabernet Franc 5%, Merlot 5%, and Malbec 1% The fine-grained, plush tannins evolve into a long, supple finish. This seductive wine shows flavors of black cassis, black cherry and a hint of cocoa powder. The juicy entry offers a round, silky mouthfeel with just enough acidity to complement the satin texture. The Opus One 2017 offers a harmonious aromatic balance of rich dark fruit, stems of roses, and earthy forest floor. Superb flavors and excellent ripening led to an earlier than expected harvest, which commenced on the 5th of September. Despite Mother Nature’s variability, favorable weather in August provided optimal conditions for fruit development and maturation. The summer, in turn, was warm and punctuated by occasional heat waves. Increased soil moisture allowed for healthy vine growth and development. The abundant rainfall continued into March, causing a modest delay in budbreak, and pushing bloom back by two weeks. The winter of 2017 ended a five-year drought with January recording the most rainfall in over 20 years. A delicate dark chocolate bitterness lingers on the finish. The freshness and soft glow of acidity create a subtle tension with dark fruit flavors, savory herbs, espresso, and cocoa. The creamy, satiny texture is framed by fine-grained tannins. The Opus One 2019 has intense aromas of black plum, blueberry, black currant, and dried rose petals, accentuated by mineral undertones. ![]() Harvest lasted four weeks, and activity in the cellar proceeded at a calm and steady pace. ![]() Picking began on September 10th, a couple of days earlier than average. However, warmer temperatures toward the end of summer accelerated the fruit’s development and maturity. This delay led to later bloom and veraison. The first signs of budbreak were observed in the vineyard on March 27th a full 15 days later than usual. Drink from 2007 - 2019.Abundant spring rains, nearly double the annual average, saturated the soil and provided ample water for the growing season. ![]() A blend of 86% cabernet sauvignon, 6% merlot, 3% malbec, 3% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot. Finish is a little short, but it is pleasant. They coat your mouth but are very gentle. Tannins spread out in the finish, and they are slightly dusty but well incorporated into the wine. Very well integrated even at this early stage. Powdered cocoa, and vanilla from the oak round out the flavors. Beautiful blackberry, intense black current, some plum. The 2002 Opus One shows really dark with ruby edges. And, at a cost of more than $29 million, the Opus One Winery ranks as one of the world's most expensive single-product facilities. The wine is moved only by the gentle force of gravity mechanical pumps are banned. Opus One is meticulously "hand massaged," with frequent topping of barrels and six rackings during its 18 months in barrel, making it extremely labor intensive. "The standard is not to be excellent here, it is to be perfect," co-Winemaker Tim Mondavi declares matter-of-factly. There is a reason for the high price: Opus One is a very expensive wine to produce, and has been since day one. The price range for an Opus One ranges from the low $100's up to thousands of dollars. Ever since, I've been hooked on this wine, but considering its high price, it is definitely a wine for very special occasions. I had only savored this wine once before: It was a 2000 Opus One that my good buddy, Bill, shared with the cooking club. I don't consider myself a wine snob nor am I an expert in wines, but I am very picky about the wines I drink and when I found out that my husband bought a 2002 Opus One, I was beyond ecstatic.
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