Producer Profile
This MONDAVI/Rothschild (Mouton-Rothschild) joint venture was conceived in 1978, the first vintage being in 1979 and remains independent from Constellation in its vineyard management and administration. At the time, super-premium Napa styles of Cabernet had not really materialised and Opus One was uniquely highly priced among its peers. During the 1990s the Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from the great To-Kalon vineyard was of a consistently higher standard, although the Q Block part of that same vineyard contributes to Opus One. The wine, a blend of all five Bordeaux varieties, has never quite fulfilled its potential but the scale of the production means there aren’t the scarcity problems found with some other top Californian reds. The wine is always given a very lengthy cuvaison of up to 40 days and is aged in 100% new French oak.
Tasting Notes
Vinous 97
The 2010 Opus One has become incredibly elegant and polished over the last year, while retaining its power, structure and intensity. Explosive throughout, the 2010 is every bit as compelling as it has always been. Hints of rose petal, violets, lavender and mint add nuance as the wine turns a bit brighter and more floral over time. Readers who can be patient will be rewarded with a fabulous wine, but the 2010 is pretty hard to resist, even today. This is yet another terrific showing from the 2010. [Antonio Galloni, 12/01/2014]
Anticipated maturity: 2020-2035
Robert Parker 96
A glorious perfume of sweet charcoal, truffle, black currants and spice box soars from the glass of the saturated purple-colored 2010 Opus One. The gorgeous aromatics are followed by a beautifully knit, full-bodied red blend (84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5.5% Merlot, 5.5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec) displaying lots of spicy black currant fruit, medium to full body, velvety tannins, and not a hard edge to be found. The texture, length and richness are all impressive. This estate has been making great Cabernet-based wines for nearly a decade … and this is another one. Drink it over the next 20+ years. Tel. (707) 948-2400 [Robert M. Parker, Jr., 31/10/2013]
Anticipated maturity: 2013-2033
