2022 Opus One

Tasting notes:

Harvest began early on August 24, a strategic decision that preserved the wine’s freshness despite the heat of the season. The result is an elegant and pristine expression that avoids any overwrought ripeness. On the nose, the wine is vibrant and refined, offering bright, ripe notes of blackcurrant, blackberry, and cassis, accented by graphite and subtle spice. The palate is equally dynamic—lithe and juicy, bursting with red fruit that builds into a savory, mouthwatering finish. Herbal and creamy layers intertwine with earthy minerality and powdery tannins that gently envelop the tongue. 

Producer description:

Opus One is the fruit of the iconic collaboration between the legendary Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild, owner of Bordeaux's Château Mouton Rothschild. The idea was first floated in a conversation between the two men way back in 1970, but only in 1978 did it become a reality. Marrying the potential of the magnificent terroir of Napa Valley with the excellence of Bordeaux winemaking techniques, and as a result Opus One has been often described as the 'American First Growth'.