Opus One 2005

Opus One 2005 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. The 2005 Opus One is a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec. "at 15 years old we can just start to see some early bottle ageing notes as it relaxes into itself, with dried rose aromatics and gorgeously tight, bright olives, rosemary, grilled cedar and black pepper. Opens up beautifully in the glass, this has excellent persistency and is a clear success." Decanter, 2019