2012 Opus One
Buying options
Tasting notes
After a warm and dry winter, generous rains returned in March just in time for budbreak and provided the water needed for the rest of the year. The ‘superb’ growing season was characterised by moderate temperatures and bountiful sunshine resulting in one of the valley’s most exceptional vintages. At harvest, the fruit exhibited the classic Oakville style. Picking started on 21 September at the fresh-fruit stage of ripeness. It ended on 20 October. 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, 6% Merlot, 2% Malbec. 18-day skin contact, then 18 months in new French oak . Bright crimson. Meat and two veg on the nose. Sweet, almost candified nose. A little less subtle than some. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
Clearly more concentrated than the 2011, showcasing espresso, liquorice, bitter black chocolate, mint leaf, blackcurrant, cassis, blood orange, velvety tannins. This captures the exuberance of Napa tempered by the restraint of Opus and will power for decades. Great balance, great stuff, hard not to fall in love with. 100% new oak for ageing, Michael Silacci director, harvest September 21 to October 20, 18 days skin contact.
The 2014 Opus One is not as showy or obvious as some of the other surrounding vintages, but it will have its day. Stylistically, the 2014 is bright and also a touch linear, with a construction built more on focus rather than opulence. Readers should plan on giving the 2014 another few years in bottle at a minimum. The mid-weight style is a bit Old World-leaning in this striking, super-classic Opus One. (AG)
Mesmerizing aromas of flowers, bark, currants and blackberries. So perfumed. You just want to smell it. Exquisite tension and finesse with an almost Burgundian texture, yet it’s Napa in its soul with ripe fruit, stones, spices and Chinese tea leaf flavors. Savory and delicious. (JS)
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