It remains an ongoing testament to the founders’ vision of a singular wine that transcends generations. Rising gracefully from the vineyards, Opus One winery stands in subtle celebration of the land and the open space that surrounds the estate. Guided by the vision of our founders, winemaker Michael Silacci combines intuition and technical acumen with the dual perspective of viticulturist and winemaker. From tasting berries to careful sorting and extended aging in new French oak barrels, each stage of the winemaking process is afforded the same meticulous consideration and attention. After 18 months, the Opus One wine is bottled and held an additional 15 months until release on October 1st each year. 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. The essence of time is expressed in Opus One wine by the character of each vintage. The facial profile of the two founders is visible on their iconic label. Producing luxury wines from its Napa Valley vineyards, the partnership made its first vintage in 1979 and has made wine at Opus One since 1991. Opus One is a partnership founded by Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Chateau Mouton Rothschild in Pauillac, France, and renowned Napa Valley vintner, Robert Mondavi. The 2013 Opus One is composed of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, and 2% Malbec.Learn about Opus One, it’s history, the winery and the wine. The 2013 Opus One promises enjoyment for decades to come.Ĭomponent lots received an average of 18 days of skin contact during fermentation and maceration before aging in 100% new French oak barrels for 17½ months. Elegantly balanced, the acidity and core structure deliver a persistent finish with hints of dark chocolate. A creamy entry gives way to layers of complexity which unfold in the mid-palate with velvety tannins enrobing a center of concentrated black-fruit with juicy freshness. The 2013 Opus One offers splendid aromas of blueberry, cassis, and blackberries with highlights of rose, anise and baking spices. Despite sporadic stops due to weather events, the relatively compressed harvest was completed on October 8th. Ideal conditions continued during the summer with moderate temperatures prevailing until harvest began after midnight on September 5th. Flowering occurred under near-perfect conditions which led to excellent fruit set throughout our Oakville estate vineyards and ensured a bountiful harvest – though smaller than the previous year. 2020-2038.” Antonio Galloni – (94-96+)/100Ī very dry and unseasonably warm winter gave the vines an early start to the growing season and set in motion what would become an extraordinary vintage for Opus One. The flavor remain quite primary, one of the signatures of this great Napa Valley vintage. Today, the 2013 reminds me of the 2010 when it was young, especially in its energy and pure power. The combination of fruit and structure is superb. Firm yet also voluptuous, the 2013 has it all. “Dark cherries, plums, smoke, licorice, new leather and menthol race across the palate in the 2013 Opus One. This will always be beautiful to drink.” James Suckling 100/100 79% cabernet sauvignon, 7% cabernet franc, 6% merlot, 6% petit verdot, 2% malbec. But will be even better in 2019 and beyond. Complex aftertaste of black fruits and citrus fruit. Full body, superb balance of ultra-fine tannins and vibrant acidity. Roses continue to exude opulence and class. Terrific aromas of crushed black currants, blueberries and flowers with hints of sweet tobacco. The combination of fruit and structure is superb… The flavour remains quite primary, one of the signatures of this great Napa Valley vintage.”Īccording to the Liv-ex trading platform, the last four vintages of Opus One have so far returned an average of 47% increase on their release price. “We could have sold double the amount and are currently looking for more.”Īntonio Galloni awarded the wine 94-96+ points, noting it is “firm yet also voluptuous, the 2013 has it all. Wine buyer Cru told that they’d “never seen such a scramble” for a newly-released wine and that they sold out of their allocation within hours. As Robert Parker noted, “2013 for many wineries in Napa and Sonoma has produced the finest wines I have tasted in 37 years”. The release has seen considerable excitement, largely focused on the quality of the vintage in California overall. Opus One 2013 has been released at £1,100 per 6x75, equivalent to £2,200 per 12x75.Īccording to Liv-ex, at this price the vintage is offered around the levels of the estate’s 20, and looks favourable compared to older vintages, available at a 15.6% discount to the similarly scored 2008, for example.
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