Opus One   Opus One

2003 Opus One

By Opus One

2003 Opus One from Opus One, Napa Valley, USA

The 2003 Opus One wine truly epitomises the opulence of Napa Valley. Year on year, the vineyard's enigmatic creations consistently stir anticipation among fine wine investors and connoisseurs. This particular vintage firmly holds its own in the fascinating collection.

 

Break from tradition, a triumphant result

The 2003 vintage was an atypical year for Napa Valley due to temperature fluctuations, leading winemakers at Opus One to daringly adjust their cultivation methods. This adaptability has delivered a most interesting and valuable offering for wine investment portfolios.

The 2003 Opus One is characterised by a dense inky plum colour that holds a prelude to its rich contents. It exudes bold aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, cedar, and spices - a testament to the meticulous blend of Bordeaux-style grapes used in its creation.

 

An extraordinary expressiveness of terroir and time

In the mouth, this fine wine from USA comes into its element. The complexity emerges with layered expressions of dark fruit in perfect harmony with supple tannins. Its lush texture gracefully transitions into a sustained finish that continues for an indulgent length of time.

The growing season of 2003 was warmer than the average year in Napa Valley, resulting in well-ripened grapes and contributing to the intensity of flavour concentration that the 2003 Opus One exhibits. It’s a clear display of how perfectly managed vineyards can excel even during curveball climatic conditions.

To summarise, the 2003 Opus One deftly walks the line between boldness and finesse, echoing the audacity of its makers and the singularities of its terroir. With its fascinatingly complex personality and strong ageing potential, this mighty Californian vintage proves to be an intriguing addition to any wine investment portfolio embodying the unique attributes of this rare, challenging year.

Market price (GBP)

£3,470.00

12x75cl

Highest score

94

POP score

247.86

Scores and tasting notes

94

This blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Malbec aged 17 months in French oak is a strong effort offering creme de cassis, cedarwood, white chocolate and spice box. It possesses a Bordeaux-like personality, as one might expect since Opus One is owned by Baroness Philippe de Rothschild and the winemaking team comes primarily from Pauillac. The significant tannin in the wine provides a slight austerity, but this is a full-bodied, rich effort that marks the beginning of a period when Opus One finally began to live up to the enormous potential first announced in the late 1970s by the late Baron Philippe de Rothschild and the late Robert Mondavi. Although accessible now, the 2003 will benefit from another 4-5 years of cellaring and should keep for two decades. Tel. (707) 944-9442

Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 27 June 2013

Vintage performance