Opus One   Opus One

2012 Opus One

By Opus One

2012 Opus One from Opus One, Napa Valley, USA

Our journey takes us to the fertile vineyards of Napa Valley, where the 2012 Opus One from Opus One radiates a compelling sense of allure from an exceptional vintage year. Four decades ago, Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi had a pioneering vision, and the ensuing years have kissed reality into this dream with unparalleled harvests such as the 2012 Opus One.

 

A mark of pedigree in every sip

As the progeny of two iconic families, Opus one embodies their shared commitment to fine winemaking. It amplifies the remarkable finesse drawn from the soils of their Napa Valley vineyard. With growing reputation as one of the most reputable fine wines from USA and it burgeoning appeal among investment-savvy oenophiles, this Bordeaux-style blend is noteworthy for its fetching investment potential.

The 2012 vintage presents a charismatic dance between Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Malbec. The relatively warmer climate of 2012 graced these grapes with opulent fruit flavours tempered by savoury notes.

 

Vintage stage set by climatic aplomb

The 2012 season was a welcomed shift after the cooler vintages of 2010 and 2011. From late April through October Napa Valley was bathed in sunlight and spared any harsh heat spikes. This near idyllic growing conditions highlighted the 2012 Opus One’s radiant character and exceptional balance between structure, fruit forwardness, and acidity.

As you partake in this elegant wine, prepare for whiffs of rose petals and violets punctuated by hints of dried herbs and cedar. An inviting entry of blackberry and cassis manifests into a sumptuous mid-palate. The 2012 Opus One is, in essence, an orchestration of refined tannins infused with subtle notes of mocha and cinnamon. It evolves meticulously on the palate with long-lasting, tear-drop precision.

Seductive in its youth, the 2012 Opus One from Opus One holds promise for those patient enough to cellar. Its precision and balance are signatures of longevity that makes this unique wine an attractive addition to a collector's portfolio.

Current market price

£3,210.00

12x75cl

Highest score

96

POP score

200.63

Scores and tasting notes

96

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 crème 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.

Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 30 December 2015

Vintage performance