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Tasting notes
Deep plum in colour, the darkest in the lineup so far, still with those silky velvety tannins that are visually apparent as well as providing structure on the palate. You can just sink right into this, so much savoury Cabernet Sauvignon dominance, studded with dark pepper spice, sandalwood, olives, mint leaf, fragrant and fabulous, tannins a little tight even at 19 years old, a more serious take on Opus. Not an easy vintage, well handled. Michael Silacci winemaker. 100% new French oak for ageing, 26 days skin contact, co-fermented Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon for the first time.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2006 Opus One is another more challenging vintage that saw abundant moisture throughout the year. Nevertheless, it doesn’t lack texture or fruit and has ripe yet integrated tannins as well as up-front, perfumed, charming aromatics of ripe darker fruits, black cherries, chocolate, and tobacco leaf. This elegant, charming, seamless effort is well worth enjoying any time over the coming 10-15 years.
Drinking at a really nice place today, the wine meshes elegance with sweet, ripe, juicy, ripe, fruits. This is a good ringer to place in blind tasting with Bordeaux.
I expected the 2006 Opus One to be more reticent than it actually is. Dark plums, black cherries, licorice, tar and smoke all take shape as the 2006 opens up in the glass. Overall, this is a supple Opus One with good complexity but less of the personality of the best wines of the year. In 2006 the blend is 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec. The style is relatively juicy, partly owing to the highest presence of Merlot ever.
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.