Opus One 2021

Opus One 2021 is the latest release from the renowned Napa Valley winery, Opus One, a collaboration between Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi. This iconic Bordeaux-style blend is highly anticipated by wine enthusiasts each year, and the 2021 vintage continues the tradition of producing exceptional wines.

Here are some key details about Opus One 2021:

1. Blend Composition

Opus One is typically a blend of Bordeaux varietals, which may include:

• Cabernet Sauvignon (dominant)
• Cabernet Franc
• Merlot
• Petit Verdot
• Malbec

While the exact composition of the 2021 vintage can vary, Cabernet Sauvignon is usually the primary grape, providing structure and aging potential.

2. Tasting Notes

The Opus One 2021 will likely follow the signature profile:

• Aroma: Expect a rich and layered nose with blackcurrant, cassis, and blackberry, alongside hints of dark chocolate, tobacco, and spices like clove or nutmeg.
• Palate: Full-bodied with silky tannins, offering flavors of ripe dark fruits, mocha, and a touch of oak. The 2021 vintage may also present fresh acidity, balancing the fruit richness with a firm, elegant structure.
• Finish: Long and persistent, with an excellent balance of fruit, tannin, and acidity, allowing for extended aging potential.

3. Aging Potential

Opus One wines are known for their ability to age well. The 2021 vintage, given its youthful structure and vibrant acidity, is likely to develop even more complexity over 10-20 years, becoming smoother and more nuanced with age.

4. Food Pairings

Being a rich, structured red wine, Opus One 2021 pairs beautifully with hearty dishes such as:

• Grilled or roasted meats (steak, lamb, venison)
• Rich, umami-forward dishes (mushroom risotto, braised short ribs)
• Aged cheeses (blue cheese, cheddar)

5. Serving Tips

• Temperature: Serve slightly below room temperature (around 60-65°F or 16-18°C).
• Decanting: Decanting for at least 1-2 hours is recommended to allow the wine to open up and reveal its full complexity.

99 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2021 Opus One is another riveting wine from this estate. Pure cassis, graphite, chocolate, and nicely integrated oak, as well as an undeniable sense of minerality, all emerge from the glass, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, building tannins, wonderful purity and precision, and a great finish. This is a classic Napa Valley Cabernet in the making, and it's going to evolve for 20-25 years if well stored.”

99 Points James Suckling: "An enticing aroma of violets, cherry blossoms, fresh blue and black fruit and great structure define this beautiful, age-worthy wine. Subtle layering of fruit and oak spices between firm, fine-grained and supportive tannins gives it a calm intensity. So elegant and polished. Hints of cinnamon and graphite accent blackcurrant and blueberry flavors that linger and grow in a long finish. Already attractive to drink, but best after 2029."