Opus One is one of America’s most well-known and respected wines, frequently gleaning ratings well above 90 points from wine critics.
(Wine Spectator, Robert Parker, and other wine critics)
Particularly good vintages include 1997, 1999, 2004, 2005, and 2007. Because of the selective grape processes, as well as high demand for this wine. Opus One is considered to be one of America’s collectible wines by many wine enthusiasts.
Opus One’s vineyard, situated in the Napa Valley, integrates traditional practice with modern techniques that benefit the winegrowing at its best. The vines are planted five to six times more densely than is typical in California. At higher densities, the vines produce smaller berries with higher skin-to-juice ratios and more intense flavours and aromas. Every cluster of Opus One grapes is hand-harvested, and just as much care is taken when transporting them from the vineyard to the winery. The integrity of the grapes is assured by placing the clusters in small picking boxes that hold no more than thirty-five pounds.
Because Opus One makes only one wine, each tank can be dedicated to a single lot of grapes; each tank is used only once during harvest, so fermentation and maceration need never be rushed. The long, warm maceration in temperature-controlled tanks draws out myriad rich flavors and colors from the skins, seeds, and pulp. The tanks are raised so the free-run wine can flow into new French oak barrels; the remaining skins tumble easily into basket presses. The 1979 and 1980 vintages were simultaneously unveiled in 1984 as Opus One’s first release. Opus One then known as America’s first ultra-premium wine. The wine was called Napamedoc until 1982 when it was named Opus One, A name of Latin origin for the joint venture “Opus,” a musical expression denoting the first masterpiece of a composer.
Suggested food pairings with Opus One wines include roasted red meat, particularly beef and lamb. The wine smooth out when consumed with fattier foods. Discover the Opus One Collection At The Oaks Cellars now!