Opus One, Napa Valley, 2012
A glorious nose promises wonderful things for the future as dark sultry fruit combines with a floral element and strong suggestions of crushed rocks. Perfumed in a sultry, complex way, the extra ripeness over the 2011 is immediately obvious. Super sleek tannins are encased in rich concentrated fruit with sweet spice and roasted earth notes providing extra interest go smorgasboard of red and darks fruits. A very fine Opus One with a long future ahead. 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, 6% Merlot and 2% Malbec and harvest lasted from 21st September until 2nd October. Aged for 18 months in new French oak.
critic reviews
Clearly more concentrated than the 2011, showcasing espresso, liquorice, bitter black chocolate, mint leaf, blackcurrant, cassis, blood orange, velvety tannins. This captures the exuberance of Napa tempered by the restraint of Opus and will power for decades. Great balance, great stuff, hard not to fall in love with. 100% new oak for ageing, Michael Silacci director, harvest September 21 to October 20, 18 days skin contact.
The 2012 Opus One is a terrific choice for drinking now. Silky and beautifully perfumed, the 2012 is wonderfully open-knit in this tasting. The purity of the fruit is alluring, There's still a good bit of freshness, too. Naturally, the 2012 reflects the medium-bodied style that is typical of the year, but all the elements are very nicely balanced. Crushed red berry fruit, mint, rose petal, spice and blood orange linger.
The iconic 2012 Proprietary Red Opus One is a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, 6% Merlot and 2% Malbec aged 18 months in French oak. A classy, complex, suave and savory 2012 Opus One, with notes of toasty oak and creme de cassis. This Pauillac lookalike, made by the staff at Mouton Rothschild, is a beauty. They have continued to strengthen the quality of wine and seem to have produced a brilliant, world-class wine. I imagine the 2013 may even eclipse this, but this 2012 is one of their great ones, with a seamless integration of acidity, tannin, alcohol and wood all present in this beautiful, full-bodied wine that should drink well for 25-30 years.