- CRITICAL REVIEWS
- WINEMAKER NOTES
Jeb Dunnuck
Vinous
Opus One 2009, Napa Valley, USA
Opus One was founded by Baron Philippe de Rothschild, legendary proprietor of Château Mouton Rothschild, and renowned Napa Valley vintner Robert Mondavi. 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, like any great work, arose out of passion. Dedicated to un-compromised quality, Opus One’s sole purpose is to express this vision and passionate spirit for generations to come.
VINTAGE 2009
After two years of consecutive dry spring months, Opus One’s vineyard received almost 150 mm of rain at the start of 2009. Cultivation and irrigation were adjusted to increase vine vigor and yield, striking a delicate balance in growing leaves adequate for photosynthesis but not so numerous as to mask fruit and overemphasize herbal characters. The 2009 vintage saw cool temperatures during bloom and maturation, with two short heat spells in September. The harvest began on September 21st and provided an exhilarating finish on October 20th after a record rainfall for October.
Aromas of black olive and minerals underlie more traditional notes of dark chocolate, cola and espresso. Showing flavors of ripe blueberry, cassis and licorice, this age-worthy wine simultaneously offers a smooth finish and a slight grip of tannin at the close.
VARIETALS
Cabernet Sauvignon 81%, Cabernet Franc 9%, Petit Verdot 6%,
Merlot 3% and Malbec 1%
SKIN CONTACT
20 days
BARREL AGING
17 months in new French oak