OPUS ONE 2022
Born from the meeting between Baron Philippe de Rothschild, owner of Château Mouton Rothschild, and Robert Mondavi, a major figure in Californian viticulture, Opus One was designed to unite the tradition of great Bordeaux blends with the identity of Napa Valley. The estate is located in Oakville, a region particularly renowned for Cabernet Sauvignon and the consistency of its ripening. This variety naturally forms the backbone of the wine, accompanied by other historic Bordeaux grape varieties in proportions adapted to each vintage. The vineyard work aims to achieve complete ripeness while maintaining freshness, tannic finesse, and aromatic precision. In 2022, the season proved demanding, with a relatively dry winter followed by several episodes of marked heat approaching harvest. The team adapted the harvest dates and irrigation parcel by parcel to protect the balance of the grapes. The harvest took place from August 24 to September 26, resulting in a concentrated but remarkably bright and balanced vintage.
Opus One 2022 blends 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 6.5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, and 0.5% Malbec. The majority of Cabernet Sauvignon provides structure, depth, and persistence, while Petit Verdot enhances color and the spicy register. Cabernet Franc contributes aromatic finesse, Merlot softens the texture, and Malbec discreetly adds complexity to the whole. Maceration with the skins lasts twenty days, allowing the tannic structure to build gradually without seeking excessive extraction. The wine then continues its aging for eighteen months in new French oak barrels. This maturation accompanies the natural density of the vintage while gradually refining its mouthfeel. The 2022 thus has a deep but elegant architecture, with sufficient reserve to evolve over several decades.
The color shows a deep purple hue with still very youthful reflections. The bouquet combines blueberry and blackcurrant with nuances of dried rose, olive, graphite, and cigar box. The palate then develops a brighter red fruit, accompanied by cocoa and a touch of fresh orange peel that adds relief. The tannins have a fine and precise grain, giving the wine a structured texture without harshness. The aging appears gradually through discreet notes of vanilla and coffee, integrated into a fresh and persistent matter. The finish stretches on a mineral dimension evoking wet stone, with a beautiful continuity between fruit, spices, and freshness. Opus One 2022 will accompany a beef filet with porcini mushrooms, a roasted rack of lamb, pigeon, duck breast, or game served with wild mushrooms.
Grape varieties: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 6.5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 0.5% Malbec
