Opus One Napa Valley Rouge 2017

The Opus One 2017 offers a harmonious aromatic balance of rich dark fruit, stems of roses, and earthy forest floor. The juicy entry offers a round, silky mouthfeel with just enough acidity to complement the satin texture. This seductive wine shows flavors of black cassis, black cherry and a hint of cocoa powder. The fine-grained, plush tannins evolve into a long, supple finish. A supremely age-worthy wine, it will delight now and for many years to come.

Tasting Notes:

• Appearance: Deep garnet-purple color, reflecting the wine’s intensity and richness.
• Aroma: The nose reveals a captivating bouquet of blackberries, cassis, and ripe cherries, intertwined with floral notes of violets and roses. As it opens, layers of dark chocolate, graphite, tobacco, and a hint of sweet vanilla from the oak emerge, adding depth and complexity.
• Palate: On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and lush, with concentrated flavors of blackcurrants, dark cherries, and a touch of plum. Well-structured tannins provide a velvety texture, while notes of espresso, mocha, and a touch of earthy minerality contribute to its multi-dimensional profile. The wine finishes with a long, persistent, and balanced expression of fruit and refined tannins.

Food Pairing:

Opus One 2017 is a versatile wine that pairs exceptionally well with a variety of rich and flavorful dishes, including:

Meats, Beef and Venison

Reviews:

95PTS, James Suckling

Lots of currant and floral notes on the nose. Hints of mint and spice. Medium-to full-bodied, round and savory with creamy, juicy tannins. Hints of citrus underneath. Bright, fresh and delicious. Drink or hold.

RP95, Robert Parker

Opus One had picked 91% of their fruit before the fires started in 2017, and only two lots were eliminated from consideration. The 2017 Opus One, bottled in July 2019, is a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8.5% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4.5% Merlot and 1% Malbec. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it slowly grows on the nose, revealing compelling notes of baked black cherries, mulberries, black raspberries, warm cassis and blackberry pie with nuances of spice cake, yeast extract, tapenade, licorice and dusty soil with a waft of wild sage. Medium-bodied, the palate has a lively skip in its step, featuring bags of juicy raspberry and cassis-laced fruit and a refreshing line, supported by ripe, plush tannins, finishing long and graceful.