Opus One 2017 Napa Valley Red Wine 1.5 liter
4596

Product Details
(96 D) A fist of late summer cherries, raspberry and
bilberry fruits set out their stall, all with the juicy character that
confirms, even in a hot vintage like 2017, Opus can deliver balance and
sculpted elegance. Beautiful grip, creamy texture with a strikingly powerful
tannic frame. As the wine stays in the glass the floral aromatics begin to
bloom up. A brilliant Opus. 20 days maceration - around half what it would have
been a decade ago. 54% native yeast, as part of their native yeast project. 5%
Merlot and 1% Malbec complete the blend. Harvest spread out over September 5 to
October 8, just before the fires, by which time they had less than 10% of the
fruit still out on the vines. 3.7pH.
(95 JS) Lots of currant and floral notes on the nose. Hints
of mint and spice. Medium-to full-bodied, round and savory with creamy, juicy
tannins. Hints of citrus underneath. Bright, fresh and delicious. Drink or
hold.
(RP 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.