Winemaker Notes
Grape Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon 81%, Cabernet Franc 9%, Petit Verdot 6%, Merlot 3%, and Malbec 1%
Professional Ratings
-
Wine Spectator
This is still quite youthful, with succulence to its ample core of black cherry and black currant fruit. There’s a tarry edge that gives drive, but also freshness in the form of tobacco, savory and sage notes. On the finish the fruit is still thumping with energy and focus. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Malbec.
-
Decanter
2009 was a cooler vintage, and that's reflected in the complex bass notes of black olive and tobacco which inflect this Opus One's bouquet of dark fruit, chocolate and licorice; supple and polished on the palate, this wine has more of a savoury edge to its tannic profile than riper years such as 2007. Cabernet Sauvignon only makes up 81% of the blend here, complemented by fully 9% Cabernet Franc, a variety that plays an increasing role at Opus.
-
James Suckling
Aromas of orange peel, currants, olives and subtle rosemary. Full body with a beautiful balance of fine tannins and a fresh finish. Super-refined and beautiful. Better in 2015 but just drinking beautifully now.
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.