2001 Opus One
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Tasting notes
Light winter rains followed by warm temperatures in May resulted in small, concentrated berries. The time from bloom to harvest was quite long at 133 days for Cabernet Sauvignon. Harvest was 1 September to 19 October. 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 3% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. 32-day skin contact, 17 months in new French oak. This was the first vintage sold on the Bordeaux Place, in 2004 – thanks to the Bordeaux trade having been ‘strongarmed by Philippine de Rothschild’, according to winemaker Michael Silacci. 16 négociants came over to Napa and, according to Michael Silacci, ‘had their eyes opened’. Lower yields while Silacci redid the architecture of the vines. Glowing ruby. Light and notably fresh nose. Even a hint of leafiness. Lovely balance! So fresh and well melded. The tannins have disappeared and the acidity is just starting to assert itself. Very long and very European. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Ruby plum colour, ever so gentle bricking around the edges but still a young wine visually. Love the powerful liqourice root on the opening, followed up by juicy blackberry fruit, with waves of iris and peony flowers. Sandalwood and incense rolls in through the mid palate, mouthwatering on the finish, with gentle tertiary notes as it moves into its full drinking window. Stretches out with a sense of languid confidence, still plenty of time ahead of it. Patrick Leon and Tim Mondavi winemakers, with Michael Silacci arriving in this vintage, although still a few years from taking over as sole winemaking director. Long harvest that lasted from September 1 to October 19. 32 days skin contact, 100% new French oak for ageing.
The 2002 Opus One is in a gorgeous spot right now. Ripe and plummy, with stunning aromatic presence, the 2002 offers alluring up-front fruit, cedar, tobacco, mint and dried flowers. There's lovely savoriness from the early picks to balance the more overt, kirsch-like fruit from the later picks. I would prefer to drink this over next decade or so. (AG)
The 2001 Opus One showed beautifully, with mature yet complex notes of ripe dark fruits, tobacco, lead pencil, and truffly earth. Very Bordeaux-like aromatically as well as on the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, has firm, focused, yet ripe tannins, a terrific sense of elegance, and outstanding length. It’s a classic, impeccably made, fully mature Napa Valley Cabernet to enjoy over the coming decade.
About the producer
Created by Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild, Opus One is one of the most famous wines and estates in the Napa Valley. Its iconic Cabernet Sauvignon combines the elegance and freshness of Bordeaux with the natural ripeness and opulence of Napa.
Product details
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec/ Auxerrois / Cot
Red
Dry