Opus One Winery (Oakville, CA)

Opus One Winery
7900 St Helena Hwy, Oakville, CA 94562
707-944-9442
www.opusonewinery.com
Fri 07/26/2024, 03:30p-04:55p





After tastings at Palmaz and Jarvis, our final stop before dinner was at one of the most well-known names in Napa Valley: Opus One. The winery was born out of discussions held between Baron Philippe de Rothschild (of Château Mouton Rothschild fame) and California wine legend Robert Mondavi in the early 1970s, as the two men shared a vision of creating a Bordeaux-style blend in Napa. The venture's first vintage was 1979 (released in 1984), which was based on grapes sourced from Mondavi's parcel of the famed To Kalon Vineyard. Opus continued to be made at the Robert Mondavi winery until the 1991 vintage, when a new facility just down the road was completed. Penned by architect Scott Johnson, the structure veers classical and "monumental" in stature, and has become one of the most iconic in Napa Valley. Winemaker duties here are handled by Michael Silacci, who joined in March 2001 after tenures at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, King Estate Winery, and Beaulieu Vineyard.


We opted for the Courtyard Tasting Experience, priced at $125 a head and currently held in the winery's Salon, as apparently the usual Courtyard Tasting Room is being renovated.



Here we see the tasting setup, along with the provided literature. Going right to left:

• Overture – I began with Opus One's second wine, a multi-vintage blend that made its first appearance in 1993. The nose here was all about ripe berries commixed with coffee. Taste-wise, I got more of that bright fruit, countered by even more coffee as well as notes of cacao and oak, all contained in a pretty approachable package, which is exactly the point.
• 2019 Opus One – The bouquet on this one was rife with black fruit and animale and earth. I found a similar expression on the palate, which also demonstrated nuances of astringent herb and cocoa for good measure. This would likely benefit from some more cellar time.
• 2017 Opus One – Aromas here were the most multifaceted of the trio, with lush berries joined by a distinct perfume-y quality and a palpable heat. Taking a sip, I found the wine surprisingly supple, but still loaded with rich black fruits, plenty of acidity, hints of chocolate, and a moderating amount of earth.

Breadsticks were provided to help soak up the booze.


After spending some time in the Salon, we ventured upstairs to an inviting outdoor lounge area...


...Which afforded sweeping vistas of the surrounding vineyards.


Upon coming back downstairs, we were then led by our host into the Grand Chai, a substantial barrel hall where wines are aged in new French oak.


After returning to the Salon, we were greeted by a "bonus" pour of the 2014 Opus One. This was arguably my favorite wine today, and easily the most tertiary, with its barnyard-y and herbaceous aromas to go along with all that black fruit. Palate-wise, it managed to be the jammiest, most luscious of the lot while also displaying a healthy dosing of woodsy spice. This was in a good spot.


At the conclusion of our tasting, we were presented with a list of bottles available for purchase. I was also given a card describing the 1982 vintage of Opus One, as I'd mentioned to our host that I'd enjoyed a bottle of the wine not too long ago--a very thoughtful touch I have to say. Click for larger versions.