2011 Opus One
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Tasting notes
A cool vintage underrated on release. After an already wet winter and spring, unseasonably late rainfall occurred during flowering in June and disrupted fruit set. The variable rain and low temperatures reduced the number and size of berries on each cluster and increased concentration of the fruit. To reduce ground moisture, extra leaves and shoots were left on the vine. Lateral growth was removed to open up the middle canopy and increase air circulation. Given late-season heat spikes that occurred in the 2009 and 2010 vintages, the decision to pick was made during the fresh-fruit stage of ripeness. This allowed 45% of the harvest to be completed before an early October storm pushed harvest back by a week. Ultimately the harvest was completed on 25 October just over a month after it started. 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 9%, Petit Verdot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec. 17-day skin contact. 18 months in new French oak. Fresh and juicy. Nicely evolved and with real freshness. The opposite of 2009! Some slight austerity. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
Powerful, fragrant, black tea, crayon, soy, this was a cooler year of Napa where rain fell off and on through the season, and I am totally unapologetically a fan of what they achieved here at Opus. Yes there is a touch more earthiness on the aromatics than in other vintages, and perhaps it is more European in style, but it is totally charming, totally in the sweet spot to drink right now, delicate and yet with depth, filled with raspberry, blueberry and loganberry fruits, set against sage, orange peel and tobacco leaf. Harvest September 24 to October 24, with 40% of the fruit brought it before the heavy storms in early October, and a pause of a week before restarting. Michael Silacci director. 17 days skin contact.
Bingo! This is the Cabernet jackpot, with excellent fruit expression as well as all those desirable Cabernet complexities: chocolate, mulch, cedar, black cherry. A really great old v new juxtaposition, showing the fruit of California and the breadth of Bordeaux. (RH)
The 2011 Opus One is an elegant, lithe wine. Floral and savory aromatics lend freshness to this understated, classy Opus One. Sweet red berry fruit, dried herbs, blood orange and cinnamon lend notable complexity from start to finish. I imagine the 2011 will drink beautifully for another 10-15 years, maybe more. The 2011 has softened quite a bit over the last 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