Opus One 2012

Opus One is a partnership founded by Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Chateau Mouton Rothschild in Pauillac, France, and renowned Napa Valley vintner, Robert Mondavi. Producing luxury wines from its Napa Valley vineyards, the partnership made its first vintage in 1979. The facial profile of the two founders is visible on their iconic label.The essence of time is expressed in Opus One wine by the character of each vintage. Place, often defined as terroir, represents the geography, the climate and the essential human element captured in the wine’s balance between power and finesse, structure and texture. Rising gracefully from the vineyards, Opus One winery stands in subtle celebration of the land and the open space surrounding the estate. It remains an ongoing testament to the founder’s vision of a singular wine that transcends generations.97 Points – James SucklingGlorious purity of fruit here with black currants, blueberries, dark chocolate, fresh herbs and forest floor. Hints of mint too, plus hazelnut and chocolate. Full-bodied with seamless tannins and balance. Tight and compacted tannins with beautiful fruit and great length. Goes on for minutes. It is the best Opus in years.96 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine AdvocateThe 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 savoury 2012 Opus One, with notes of toasty oak and crme 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 2013 may even eclipse this, but this 2012 is one of their great ones, with seamless integration of acidity, tannin, alcohol and wood all present in this beautiful, full-bodied wine that should drink well for 25-30 years.