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Wine Description
The Story
Time is expressed in Opus One by the character of the vintage: sometimes with a personality that is highly defined and sometimes with a shade of difference quite subtle from other vintages. Through the minds and hands of the vineyard workers we capture time and the essence of the season – coaxing concentration and tempering abundance.
Place is often defined as terroir and denotes the special characteristics that geography, geology and climate bestow upon a vineyard. Place is best expressed in the mouthfeel of Opus One; it is the balance of power and finesse, structure and texture.
Complementing both time and place is the essential human element: the attitude, will and soulful attention embodied in the team of individuals who prune, harvest, cellar and embrace the vision of our founding partners.
Wine Information
2008 vintage Tasting Notes by Opus One
Extreme weather conditions in 2008—from an unseasonably cold April to an extended heat spell in September—led to Opus One’s smallest per-acre yield in thirty-two vintages. Aromas of rose petals, cassis and black cherry in the 2008 combine with notes of marzipan and sandalwood.
A satin texture enrobes the wine’s smooth, round tannins, its bright acidity supporting a juicy and elegant mouthfeel. This precocious and remarkable wine offers a long finish, with traces of clove and dark chocolate.
Varietals:
Cabernet Sauvignon 86%, Petit Verdot 8%, Merlot 4%, Cabernet Franc 1%, and Malbec 1%
Skin Contact:
22 Days
Barrel Aging:
17 Months in New French Oak
Our Aging Guideline Chart suggests: you can continue to hold this wine.
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Opus One - Opus One Winery
Opus One Winery is a winery in Oakville, California. It was founded by Baron Philippe de Rothschild, legendary proprietor of Château Mouton Rothschild, and renowned Napa Valley vintner Robert Mondavi. By combining the great winemaking traditions and innovations of both families, the founders’ singular goal was to create an exceptional wine in the heart of the Napa Valley.
First vinified in 1979, Opus One was made and aged in barrels at the Robert Mondavi Winery until the fall of 1991, when the winery celebrated its grand opening and its first harvest at the new facility.
Constellation Brands, Inc. acquired Robert Mondavi Winery in late 2004 and the next year agreed with Baron Philippe de Rothschild, S.A. to maintain 50-50 joint ownership of Opus One. Acknowledging Opus One’s autonomy, the agreement established operating independence for the winery in three key areas: administration, vineyard management, and sales and marketing. Opus One would be distributed outside the U.S. uniquely by selected Bordeaux negociants— the first California wine to be so represented.
Asserting its independence and achieving a keen balance between its partners, Opus One remains dedicated to uncomprised quality. Opus One’s sole purpose is to express the vision and passionate spirit of its founders for generations to come.
Great winemaking begins in the vineyard. At Opus One, traditional approaches are taken whenever they work best. And when modern techniques benefit the winegrowing process, they are used.
Soil:
Production area: 42ha
Grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon 80-97%, Cabernet Franc 1-16%, Merlot 0-7%, Malbec 0-3%, Petit Verdot 0-2%
Harvest method: hand picked
Ageing: 17-20 months in new french oak
7900 St. Helena Hwy
Oakville, CA 94562
Tel. + 1 707 9449442
Fax + 1 707 9482497
info@opusonewinery.com
www.opusonewinery.com