1996 Opus One
Red Bordeaux Blend
United States / California / Napa Valley / Oakville
WINEMAKER NOTES
1996 Opus One, Napa Valley, USA
Spring rains in 1996 led to a decrease in vineyard yields, particularly on the Merlot and Malbec grape varieties. Flowering occurred under near-perfect conditions, which led to excellent fruit set throughout our Oakville estate vineyards and ensured a bountiful harvest The cool spring was followed by a very warm summer, when occasional heat waves caused rapid sugar development and faster-than-normal ripening of the fruit. Cooling considerably in September, the weather permitted long hang times, allowing tannin maturity to catch up. An unusually compact harvest in September began on the 3rd and concluded on the 20th; the majority of the fruit was crushed in 12 very busy days.
VINTAGE 1996
A decreased berry set in May followed by sunny days and warm July nights brought the smaller than-average crop of 1996 to maturity in mid-September. Offering hints of violets and mint in the nose, the 1996 Opus One shows intense flavors of blackberry, chocolate and roasted coffee. Its cashmere-like softness and deep, plush flavors are supported by a firm structure and elegant middle body. A remarkably balanced wine, the 1996 imparts a persistently long finish that forecasts long bottle aging.
Varietals
Cabernet Sauvignon 86%, Cabernet Franc 8%, Merlot 3%, and Malbec 3%
Skin Contact
37 days
Barrel Aging
19 months in new French oak
Shipping Information
Domestic Shipping
We ship wine from Los Angeles, California, to eligible U.S. states via UPS or FedEx. Orders placed Monday through Thursday before 2:00 PM Pacific Time typically ship the same business day. Orders received after Thursday's cutoff or Friday through Sunday are generally held until Monday to avoid weekend transit. Shipping schedules may vary due to weather, holidays, and carrier operations.
Same-day local delivery may be available within the Los Angeles area Monday through Friday for orders placed before 2:00 PM Pacific Time. Please contact us to confirm availability and arrangements.
Packaging & Weather Holds
All wines are packed in protective EPS foam shipping containers, with gel packs used when appropriate. Original Wooden Cases (OWC) are shipped separately to protect both the wine and its original packaging.
During periods of excessive heat or freezing temperatures, we may recommend expedited shipping or holding your order. Complimentary temperature-controlled storage is available for up to six months from the purchase date. Select the weather-hold option at checkout or contact us to arrange a future shipment.
Please review our Temperature Protection & Shipping Policy for shipping recommendations, weather forecasts, and temperature-related responsibilities.
Shipping Protection
Shipping protection against eligible loss or physical damage during transit is included with qualifying shipments, subject to applicable coverage terms, exclusions, and claims requirements. Temperature-related deterioration, including heat or cold exposure, is not covered.
Delivery & Signature Requirements
All wine deliveries require an adult signature from a recipient aged 21 or older. Customers are responsible for providing an accurate shipping address and ensuring an eligible adult is available on the first delivery attempt.
Failed delivery attempts, incorrect or incomplete addresses, refused deliveries, rerouting, or returned shipments may result in additional carrier, return, and reshipment charges payable by the customer.
International Shipping
International shipping may be arranged to select destinations, subject to prior approval and a minimum order of $2,000. Availability, import requirements, duties, and restrictions vary by destination. Please review our International Shipping Information before placing an order.
Where We Ship
We currently ship wine to the following U.S. states:
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Shipping eligibility is subject to applicable laws and carrier availability. If your state is unavailable at checkout, please contact us to confirm current shipping options.
1996 Opus One, Napa Valley, USA
Spring rains in 1996 led to a decrease in vineyard yields, particularly on the Merlot and Malbec grape varieties. Flowering occurred under near-perfect conditions, which led to excellent fruit set throughout our Oakville estate vineyards and ensured a bountiful harvest The cool spring was followed by a very warm summer, when occasional heat waves caused rapid sugar development and faster-than-normal ripening of the fruit. Cooling considerably in September, the weather permitted long hang times, allowing tannin maturity to catch up. An unusually compact harvest in September began on the 3rd and concluded on the 20th; the majority of the fruit was crushed in 12 very busy days.
VINTAGE 1996
A decreased berry set in May followed by sunny days and warm July nights brought the smaller than-average crop of 1996 to maturity in mid-September. Offering hints of violets and mint in the nose, the 1996 Opus One shows intense flavors of blackberry, chocolate and roasted coffee. Its cashmere-like softness and deep, plush flavors are supported by a firm structure and elegant middle body. A remarkably balanced wine, the 1996 imparts a persistently long finish that forecasts long bottle aging.
Varietals
Cabernet Sauvignon 86%, Cabernet Franc 8%, Merlot 3%, and Malbec 3%
Skin Contact
37 days
Barrel Aging
19 months in new French oak
1996 Opus One, Napa Valley, USA
Spring rains in 1996 led to a decrease in vineyard yields, particularly on the Merlot and Malbec grape varieties. Flowering occurred under near-perfect conditions, which led to excellent fruit set throughout our Oakville estate vineyards and ensured a bountiful harvest The cool spring was followed by a very warm summer, when occasional heat waves caused rapid sugar development and faster-than-normal ripening of the fruit. Cooling considerably in September, the weather permitted long hang times, allowing tannin maturity to catch up. An unusually compact harvest in September began on the 3rd and concluded on the 20th; the majority of the fruit was crushed in 12 very busy days.
VINTAGE 1996
A decreased berry set in May followed by sunny days and warm July nights brought the smaller than-average crop of 1996 to maturity in mid-September. Offering hints of violets and mint in the nose, the 1996 Opus One shows intense flavors of blackberry, chocolate and roasted coffee. Its cashmere-like softness and deep, plush flavors are supported by a firm structure and elegant middle body. A remarkably balanced wine, the 1996 imparts a persistently long finish that forecasts long bottle aging.
Varietals
Cabernet Sauvignon 86%, Cabernet Franc 8%, Merlot 3%, and Malbec 3%
Skin Contact
37 days
Barrel Aging
19 months in new French oak
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