OPUS ONE 2018
Born from the meeting between Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi, Opus One has established itself as one of the great reference wines of Napa Valley. The estate is located in Oakville, in the heart of an area particularly favorable to Cabernet Sauvignon, where alluvial and gravelly soils allow deep rooting and regular ripening. Since its beginnings in the late 1970s, the property has pursued a vision inspired by the great Bordeaux blends while fully claiming the sunny identity of California. Cabernet Sauvignon forms the backbone of the vineyard, accompanied by Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. The pursuit of precision is based on rigorous parcel selection, harvesting at optimal maturity, and vinifications adapted to each lot. The goal remains to combine fruit richness, tannic finesse, and aging capacity rather than favoring excessive concentration. The 2018 vintage offers a particularly balanced expression of Opus One, with deep maturity supported by remarkable freshness and definition.
Opus One 2018 blends 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 5% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Malbec. Cabernet Sauvignon provides the main structure, a depth of black fruit, and the tannic framework necessary for long evolution. Petit Verdot enhances color and spicy nuances, while Merlot brings more roundness and suppleness to the mid-palate. Cabernet Franc contributes aromatic finesse, and Malbec discreetly adds depth to the blend. The different lots are vinified separately before their union, allowing the personality of each grape variety and each parcel origin to be preserved. Aging in French oak barrels then accompanies the wine's structure and gradually refines its tannins. The 2018 stands out for a particularly homogeneous architecture, where Napa Valley's natural concentration is perfectly framed by freshness and precision.
The color shows a deep purple hue with still very intense ruby reflections. The bouquet opens with blackcurrant, blackberry, and black cherry, then gradually gains nuances of violet, graphite, and fine spices. Aeration reveals cedar, cocoa, blond tobacco, and a touch of licorice that enrich the fruity register. The palate is ample and velvety but maintains a remarkable sensation of tension thanks to fine and perfectly drawn tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon provides length while the other varieties progressively bring roundness, aromatic freshness, and complexity. The finish is long and precise, blending black fruits, graphite, spices, cocoa, and fine balsamic nuances. Opus One 2018 will accompany a filet of beef with porcini mushrooms, a roasted rack of lamb, pigeon, duck breast, or game served with wild mushrooms.
Grape varieties: 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 5% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec
