Product Information:
Master of Wine Richard Hemming beautifully describes the 2011 Opus One as "a really great old vs new juxtaposition, showing the fruit of California and the breadth of Bordeaux."
This vintage delivers the best of both worlds. Fresh aromas of bright red fruits, herbes de Provence—bay leaf and cassis—give way to subtler notes of black tea and white pepper. The wine has a creamy texture that envelops the palate, showcasing flavours of cherry, cranberry, boysenberry, and a touch of dark chocolate. The satin-like finish completes a wine of remarkable balance and finesse.
The 2011 Opus One is composed of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Malbec. The wine underwent 17 days of maceration followed by 18 months of aging in new French oak.
Maker:
Opus One is the realised dream of two visionaries: Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild in Bordeaux and Napa Valley vintner Robert Mondavi. Together, they set out to create a single wine dedicated to the pursuit of uncompromising quality. This mission, started nearly four decades ago, continues today with a refined focus on subtle complexity, traditional methods, and constant innovation.
The Opus One estate vineyards are composed of four parcels located in the western portion of the famed Oakville AVA. Two of these parcels, totalling 40 hectares, are situated within the renowned To Kalon Vineyard, while the remaining 28 hectares from the Ballestra and River parcels surround the winery. The team takes a traditional approach to hand-harvesting, combined with modern techniques that benefit winegrowing through careful research and integration.
Sustainability is at the heart of Opus One's practices, benefiting both the winery and its community. Certified as a green winery through the Napa Valley Vintners' Napa Green Initiative, Opus One implements over 100 environmentally friendly procedures. Their efforts in energy conservation, water management, waste reduction, and more reflect their commitment to sustainability for generations to come.
The Vineyard:
The 2011 vintage was marked by unseasonably late rainfall during flowering, which reduced the number and size of berries, enhancing the fruit’s concentration. To balance moisture in the soil, extra leaves and shoots were left on the vine to increase air circulation. The harvest began early to capture the fresh fruit ripeness, with 45% of the harvest completed before an October storm delayed picking. The remaining fruit was harvested by October 25th, about a month after harvest commenced.
Nose – Raspberry Jam, Black Cherry, Savoury Herbs
Notes of raspberry jam, black cherry, and savoury herbs such as bay leaf, with hints of chocolate, cedar, and mulch adding complexity.
Palate – Blue/Blackberries, Chocolate, Cedar
A silky tannin structure complements nuanced blue and black fruit flavours, with touches of chocolate and cedar creating a wine that’s both elegant and full of light.
Finish – Black Tea, Cocoa, Sinewy
The finish reveals black tea and cocoa notes, with sinewy tannins and cedar creating a wine that will evolve beautifully with age, while still delivering freshness and depth now.
Bingo! This is the Cabernet jackpot, with excellent fruit expression as well as all those desirable Cabernet complexities: chocolate, mulch, cedar, black cherry. A really great old v new juxtaposition, showing the fruit of California and the breadth of Bordeaux. - Richard Hemming MW, Jancis Robinson, 18 Points (A Cut Above Superior).
The 2011 Opus One comes across as quite powerful and intense. Raspberry jam, rose petals, savory herbs and mint, all come together beautifully in the glass. The tannins are going to need a few years to soften, but the 2011 continues to develop very nicely in bottle. This is a very strong showing, especially within the context of the year. The 2011 is dark and even a bit rough round the edges, particularly when tasted alongside the surrounding vintages. The lithe, mid-weight, savory style is at times more Old World than New, yet all the elements are in the right place. - Vinous, 94 Points.
The silkiness of the tannins is striking, with nuanced blueberry and raspberry fruit that gives a wine full of light. A vintage where rain fell off and on, and overall this is a little fresher and less concentrated than many of the wines around it, but it has charm and nuance and is a lovely counterpoint, giving a sense of pace and vintage variation to the line-up, which can definitely be read as a nod to its European side. Another one where I have to admit that I find some beauty in what is a fresher style, and it’s certainly one to note to begin to open over the next few years. It will still age, don’t worry, this is still packed full of black tea notes and touches of black chocolate and cedar glamour. - Decanter, 94 Points.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec
Country - United States
Region - Napa Valley, California
Vintage - 2011
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14%
Closure - Cork
