Classification | |
Type | Rouge |
Marque | Opus One |
Millésime | 2016 |
Pays | États Unis |
Région | Napa Valley |
Raisin | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Bordeaux Blend |
Alcohol % | 14.5% |
Volume | |
État | Parfait |
Étiquette | Parfait |
Consommable | 2021-2050 |
Stock | 11 |
État | Parfait |
Étiquette | Parfait |
État | Parfait |
Étiquette | Parfait |
Very deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Opus One soars out of the glass with bright, bold boysenberries, warm cassis and ripe, juicy black plums notes, plus emerging nuances of lilacs, oolong tea, cinnamon stick, tilled soil and black truffles. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with tightly wound layers of crunchy black fruits, supported by firm, grainy tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing with lifted fruitiness and on a lingering mineral note.
Extremely perfumed and floral with lavender, lilacs and violets to the sweet, ripe berries, such as blackberries and blackcurrants. Some slate and graphite, too. It’s full-bodied, yet ever so balanced and refined, with super fine tannins that last for minutes. Fresh herbs, such as bay leaf and lemon grass highlight the dark fruit. The quality of tannin is exquisite with wonderful polish and refinement. Lasts for minutes.
Moderate year. Sufficient rain in winter and then one inch of rain in April. Normal budbreak, a heat spike late June followed by a cooler July and normal August. There was a mild heat spike in early September. So, all in all a pretty good year. ‘Gal next door vintage.’ 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 8% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec. Bottled in July/August 2018.
Still quite crimson. Tense nose promises much. Very polished and suave. Very fresh and racy. (JR)