2021 Opus One

The 2021 Opus One is a benchmark Napa Valley red that brings together Old World finesse and New World power in a single, poised expression. Crafted from a Cabernet Sauvignon–led Bordeaux blend, it captures the character of a dry, low-yielding vintage with remarkable purity, depth and precision. This wine stands as a continuation of the Opus One legacy—born from the vision of Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi to create a singular, world-class wine in the heart of Napa Valley.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2021 Opus One shows a deep, opaque ruby to purple hue with a vibrant rim, hinting at both concentration and freshness. The nose is immediately seductive, with layered aromas of crushed cassis, blackberry and black cherry, interwoven with violet, graphite, and subtle notes of vanilla, baking spice and finely toasted oak. On the palate, the wine opens with bright, precise fruit—cassis, black plum and ripe blackcurrant—supported by incredibly fine-grained, silky tannins. The mid-palate is plush and creamy yet beautifully controlled, revealing nuances of black tea, licorice, dark chocolate and a touch of savory earth. The structure is firm but polished, carried by lively acidity and culminating in a long, persistent finish that echoes with dark fruit, spice and cocoa. While already impressive in its youth, this is a wine built for the long haul and, with careful cellaring, it has the potential to evolve gracefully for 20–30 years or more.

Production
The 2021 vintage at Opus One was defined by exceptionally dry conditions, with some of the lowest rainfall in the estate’s history. Early cultivation in the vineyards helped mitigate the impact of limited water, while the cooler season and timely late-March rain supported a slightly delayed budbreak and even shoot growth. Bloom began in mid-May under favorable conditions, and the reduced water availability naturally lowered yields, concentrating flavor and structure in the fruit. The summer was warm but without extended heat spikes, allowing for steady ripening and the development of intense yet balanced flavors. Harvest took place from August 31 to September 24, in a focused and unhurried window. In the cellar, the hand-harvested fruit from the estate vineyards in Oakville was carefully sorted, gently crushed and vinified parcel by parcel. The wine was then aged in French oak barrels (predominantly new) to harmonize the components and build complexity, while preserving the clarity of fruit and the distinctive identity of the vintage.

Food & Serving
The 2021 Opus One is a natural partner for refined, protein-rich dishes such as dry-aged ribeye, roast lamb with rosemary and garlic, beef tenderloin, venison or slow-braised short ribs. It also pairs beautifully with dishes featuring truffles, wild mushrooms, or aged hard cheeses like Comté or Parmigiano Reggiano. For optimal enjoyment, serve at 16–18°C (60–65°F). If opened in its youth, decanting for 1.5–2 hours will help the wine unfurl its aromatic complexity and soften the tannins; older bottles will benefit from a shorter, more gentle decant just before serving.

Producer
Opus One was founded in 1979 as a pioneering joint venture between Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild in Bordeaux and Robert Mondavi, the emblematic figure of modern Napa Valley winemaking. Their shared ambition was to unite Bordeaux’s grand cru heritage with Napa’s exceptional terroir, creating a single, world-class wine that would stand alongside the great names of the world. Situated in Oakville, in the heart of Napa Valley, Opus One has become one of the region’s most iconic and sought-after producers, known for its meticulous vineyard management, precision in the cellar and unwavering focus on quality. Over the decades, Opus One has consistently earned top scores and critical acclaim, reinforcing its status as a reference point for Cabernet-based blends not only in Napa, but on the global stage.

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