Opus One   Opus One

2017 Opus One

By Opus One

2017 Opus One from Opus One, Oakville

The 2017 vintage of Opus One emerges with distinctive charm and eloquence against the contrasting backdrop of its prolific predecessors. This celebrated Napa Valley wine is the brainchild of two visionaries - Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild and Robert Mondavi. The fusion of their expertise, coupled with the wine's unique terroir, contributes to the spellbinding allure of each bottle.

 

Marvelous Merlot Metrics

The enchanting quality of this vintage owes much to the climatic conditions that prevailed in the valley that year. A wet winter with ample rainfall was succeeded by a warm, dry spring, leading to an early bud break. Despite a few heat waves in late summer, moderate temperatures during the harvest months allowed for extended maturation of flavours that manifests in the characteristically lush, alluring aura of this dense opaque garnet blend.

One sip unravels layers upon layers of intense complexity. Primarily Merlot, the 2017 Opus One showcases an expressive nose of fresh cassis, blackberries and violets, finished with nuances of sage brush and clove. The graceful mouthfeel accentuates sweet tobacco-infused berry compote layered on a bed of bundled tannins.

 

An Investable Gem

Indeed, the veritable treasure-trove that is the 2017 Opus One rightly positions it as one of the star players among fine wines from USA in any discerning investor's portfolio. Its age-worthy makeup promises an advantageous return profile, delicately intertwined with long-term holding appeal.

However, selecting it for its investment merits alone would deny one the joyous sensory voyage this exquisite creation offers. It edges on culinary artistry, metamorphosing every drop, every swirl into a symphonic encounter that crescendos into a structured, long finish.

In sum, the 2017 Opus One from Opus One serves as an opulent reminder of Mother Nature's bounties and human innovation. It manages to straddle the divide between the tapestry of its storied lineage and an invigorating freshness like a seasoned raconteur. A worthy inclusion in any cellared chronicle, it stands testament to the abiding allure of formidable Californian libations.

Market price (GBP)

£3,020.00

12x75cl

Highest score

95

POP score

201.33

Scores and tasting notes

95

Opus One had picked 91% of their fruit before the fires started in 2017, and only two lots were eliminated from consideration. The 2017 Opus One, bottled in July 2019, is a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8.5% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4.5% Merlot and 1% Malbec. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it slowly grows on the nose, revealing compelling notes of baked black cherries, mulberries, black raspberries, warm cassis and blackberry pie with nuances of spice cake, yeast extract, tapenade, licorice and dusty soil with a waft of wild sage. Medium-bodied, the palate has a lively skip in its step, featuring bags of juicy raspberry and cassis-laced fruit and a refreshing line, supported by ripe, plush tannins, finishing long and graceful.

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

Vintage performance