Winemaker Notes
The 2011 Opus One is composed of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Malbec
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
As the most Bordelais vintage of the new millenium, the 2011 Opus One is one that will appeal to tasters with classical sensibilities. A complex bouquet of cassis, blackberry, rich soil, tobacco leaf and cedar, with a nice framing of new oak, is followed on the palate by a savoury, well-balanced and authoritative wine with good concentration and length. 2011 was a very challenging vintage, but the team at Opus One did an excellent job indeed.
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Vinous
The 2011 Opus One comes across as quite powerful and intense. Raspberry jam, rose petals, savory herbs and mint, all come together beautifully in the glass. The tannins are going to need a few years to soften, but the 2011 continues to develop very nicely in bottle. This is a very strong showing, especially within the context of the year. The 2011 is dark and even a bit rough round the edges, particularly when tasted alongside the surrounding vintages. The lithe, mid-weight, savory style is at times more Old World than New, yet all the elements are in the right place.
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Wine Spectator
All charm, with higher-toned red currant, cherry and damson plum notes that are focused and mouthwatering as they ride along lively sanguine, iron, chestnut leaf and savory threads. There’s a nice piercing aspect to the finish, which is sneakily long, as there’s still fruit in reserve, with an encore of chestnut leaf leaving a lovely echo. A textbook example of Cabernet in a cool, wet year, this could be mistaken for Bordeaux, but the DNA of Opus’ vineyard is very clear. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec.
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James Suckling
This is very aromatic and pretty with plum, cherry and currant aromas, plus hints of chocolate. It's full-bodied, with soft, silky tannins and a clean, fresh finish. This is a subtly fruity, juicy red with a pretty texture. Drink or hold. For early drinking. 71% cabernet sauvignon, 11% merlot, 9% petit verdot, 8% cabernet franc and 1% malbec.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
Home to some of the most sought-after Cabernet Sauvignon in America, Napa Valley’s Oakville district stretches across the center of Napa's valley floor and foothills between the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountains. This AVA is home to the legendary To Kalon Vineyard and Martha's Vineyard, as well as many powerhouse wineries including Screaming Eagle, Silver Oak, Robert Mondavi, Opus One, Far Niente and Groth.
The climate is generally warm and agreeable, resulting in year after year of favorable vintages. Summer days see a gentle tug of war between warmer inland air and the cool air coming in from the San Pablo Bay, creating an ideal environment to grow red varieties. Oakville's diverse soils, namely ancient sea bedrock, clay and gravel, are well-drained, and perfect for high-caliber viticulture.
Cabernet here is often bottled varietally but is also popular in Bordeaux Blends. Oakville wines are known for their silky, sensual textures, structured tannins, dark and brooding fruit and lovely aromatics. These age-worthy and prestigious wines are favored by collectors throughout the world.