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. Dedicated to uncompromised quality, Opus One’s sole purpose is to express this vision and passionate spirit for generations to come. Opus One, like any great work, arose out of passion. By combining the great winemaking traditions and innovations of both families, the founders’ singular goal was to create an exceptional wine in the heart of Napa Valley. Opus One was founded by Baron Philippe de Rothschild, legendary proprietor of Château Mouton Rothschild, and renowned Napa Valley vintner Robert Mondavi. In 2017, Opus One has a distinctly red-toned fruit profile that distinguishes it from the surrounding vintages." (AG) (1/2020) Exotic, beautifully perfumed and impeccable in its balance, Opus One is one of the most complete wines of the vintage. Plush fruit and soft, silky contours give the 2017 its racy personality. "A remarkable wine for the year, the 2017 Opus One is a dense, full-throttle beauty. Medium-bodied, the palate has a lively skip in its step, featuring bags of juicy raspberry and cassis-laced fruit and a refreshing line, supported by ripe, plush tannins, finishing long and graceful." (LPB) (10/2019) Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it slowly grows on the nose, revealing compelling notes of baked black cherries, mulberries, black raspberries, warm cassis and blackberry pie with nuances of spice cake, yeast extract, tapenade, licorice and dusty soil with a waft of wild sage. The 2017 Opus One, bottled in July 2019, is a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8.5% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4.5% Merlot and 1% Malbec. "Opus One had picked 91% of their fruit before the fires started in 2017, and only two lots were eliminated from consideration. Medium-to full-bodied, round and savory with creamy, juicy tannins. "Lots of currant and floral notes on the nose. Harvest spread out over September 5 to October 8, just before the fires, by which time they had less than 10% of the fruit still out on the vines." (JA) (8/2020) 5% Merlot and 1% Malbec complete the blend. 54% native yeast, as part of their native yeast project. 20 days maceration - around half what it would have been a decade ago. As the wine stays in the glass the floral aromatics begin to bloom up. Beautiful grip, creamy texture with a strikingly powerful tannic frame. "A fist of late summer cherries, raspberry and bilberry fruits set out their stall, all with the juicy character that confirms, even in a hot vintage like 2017, Opus can deliver balance and sculpted elegance.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |