Opus One 2002

Opus One 2002 is a Napa Bordeaux blend made by one of the true icons of Californian winemaking. Known as NapaMedoc for the first three vintages and rebranded in 1982 as Opus One, this iconic Californian winery was founded as a joint venture between Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild and Robert Mondavi. The objective was to recreate a First Growth level, Bordeaux style wine in the Napa Valley and by every measure, they succeeded. Historically the Grand Vin has been a blend of around 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot aged for 18 months in 100% new French oak before being laid down for a further 18 months to mature in bottle. "Concentrated, rich layers of black cherry fruit, with savoury spice, anise and ground coffee bean, black chocolate and deep blackcurrant and bilberry fruits. This is intense, perhaps a little too much in that it ends a touch abruptly. Lowest yield of the decade, which explains this tight feel. It`s got years ahead of it, will be interesting to see it evolves from here." Jane Anson, 2019