Opus One   Opus One

2015 Opus One

By Opus One

2015 Opus One from Opus One, Napa Valley, USA

The 2015 Opus One from Opus One holds a revered place in the grandeur gallery of the fine wines from USA. Composed mainly of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with small traces of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec, this wine articulates the unique climatic anomalies and growth conditions experienced in 2015. The unanticipated cool springs followed by an early harvest, gifted this vintage a rare sort of elegance and eminence.

 

A mosaic of flavours; the essence of a unique climate

Tasting the 2015 Opus One is akin to witnessing an artistic spectacle coming to life. Its rich hues are painted with layers of dark cherries, violets, leather, and bitter chocolate beautifully draped upon a skeletal structure of strong tannins and acidity. The robust nature typical to Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is tamed here, its wild streak refined into a sophisticated charm.

In the world of wine investment, the term 'classic' is often associated with consistency and reliability. This vintage exemplifies these characteristics - staying true to its roots yet confidently speaking about its unique birth year.

 

Napa Valley Unveiled – A Visionary Vintage

The 2015 crop in Napa Valley faced plenty adversities throughout the growing season. Irregular weather events including an unseasonal cooling during spring flowering followed by intense summer heat spells resulted in one of the earliest harvests that the valley has seen.

Despite these capricious conditions, or perhaps due to them, 2015 Opus One stands as one of the most memorable vintages - revealing a wine that combines depth and complexity with remarkable drinkability. The elegant character of the Merlot fruit and the sinewy heft of the Cabernet Sauvignon have fused gracefully, presenting tasters with a wine experience that tantalizes and lingers.

As investment prospects go, 2015 Opus One from Opus One captures an intriguing intersection of value and occasion - making it a compelling addition to any discerning collection.

Market price (GBP)

£3,050.00

12x75cl

Highest score

97

POP score

179.41

Scores and tasting notes

97

“This wine was too much—too much like a caricature for me,” winemaker Michael Silacci confessed to me while tasting the 2015 Opus One together again recently. “So, when we took it out of barrel to prepare for bottling we added a few more components.” Medium to deep garnet-purple color, it bursts from the glass with beautiful violets, lavender, rose hip tea and chocolate-covered cherries scents over a core of crushed blackberries, black cherries, cassis and iron ore. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is wonderfully bright and crunchy, with bags of fresh black and red berries and a wonderfully plush, finely grained texture, finishing long and fragrant.

Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 31 October 2019

Vintage performance