Opus One--Vintage 1980
1 impériale per lot
OPUS ONE - A SINGULAR WINE For years, Opus One has been the one wine that has truly stood out in the Napa Valley. Its restrained, yet present fruit and pronounced earthiness disclose neither a true California Cabernet blend nor a direct descendant of its Bordeaux ancestors. Rather, it is a faithful integration of the partnership between Robert Mondavi, the infamous, progressive Napa Valley winemaker, and the late Baron Philippe de Rothschild from Château Mouton-Rothschild in Pauillac, France. Free from gossip, it is not. Since release of the 1979 and 1980 vintages, which sold for a then scandalous $50 a bottle, making them the most expensive California Cabernet blends at the time, Opus One has triggered many reviews and debates. Did it have pedigree? And if so, was it worth it? Now, more than twenty nine years later, we are better able to counter these questions. Time helps us discern the wine's so-called lineage. In the Spring of 2003 Anthony Hanson, MW, David Pearson the newly appointed CEO of Opus One and Christie's hosted a fourteen year vertical tasting for our San Francisco Bay Area clients. Three clear observations were made. The first was Opus' comprehensible consistency. Each wine, though different, was part of an interwoven wine scheme-all bore the same trademark: finesse and elegance. The second revelation undoubtedly showed that although Opus' wines were consistent, their style changed slightly around 1990-1991. Wines had more fruit and body, taking somewhat after the popular style found in Napa today. But no fear. The terroir is still there. Finally, the 1990s produced some fantastic wines outshining many of the other vintages with their potency and well-bred style. Complex yet approachable, flavorful yet elegant, they demonstrated what a Bordeaux blend could be, impressing even the most suspicious of Opus cynics. Regardless of the late vintage fanfare, there were winners in each of the flights. But like all tastings, each vintage had qualities and fans of its own, leading to the recurring, yet looming question: Is Opus worth its price? A very interesting contemplation indeed, for it is difficult to compare it to any other wine. Like many mixed breeds, Opus One tends to not fit in anywhere. It is too earthy for typical California styles and too fruity for a Bordeaux. Opus is a class act of its own. And although not inexpensive, when compared against certain Napa neighbors, its price point does make sense. Opus One--Vintage 1980 Napa Valley Levels: both lots base of neck; lot 166 lightly corroded capsule Both lots in original wooden cases "ruby; a low-keyed charmer, showing well." MB, Vintage Wine 1 impériale per lot
Opus One--Vintage 1980
1 impériale per lot
OPUS ONE - A SINGULAR WINE For years, Opus One has been the one wine that has truly stood out in the Napa Valley. Its restrained, yet present fruit and pronounced earthiness disclose neither a true California Cabernet blend nor a direct descendant of its Bordeaux ancestors. Rather, it is a faithful integration of the partnership between Robert Mondavi, the infamous, progressive Napa Valley winemaker, and the late Baron Philippe de Rothschild from Château Mouton-Rothschild in Pauillac, France. Free from gossip, it is not. Since release of the 1979 and 1980 vintages, which sold for a then scandalous $50 a bottle, making them the most expensive California Cabernet blends at the time, Opus One has triggered many reviews and debates. Did it have pedigree? And if so, was it worth it? Now, more than twenty nine years later, we are better able to counter these questions. Time helps us discern the wine's so-called lineage. In the Spring of 2003 Anthony Hanson, MW, David Pearson the newly appointed CEO of Opus One and Christie's hosted a fourteen year vertical tasting for our San Francisco Bay Area clients. Three clear observations were made. The first was Opus' comprehensible consistency. Each wine, though different, was part of an interwoven wine scheme-all bore the same trademark: finesse and elegance. The second revelation undoubtedly showed that although Opus' wines were consistent, their style changed slightly around 1990-1991. Wines had more fruit and body, taking somewhat after the popular style found in Napa today. But no fear. The terroir is still there. Finally, the 1990s produced some fantastic wines outshining many of the other vintages with their potency and well-bred style. Complex yet approachable, flavorful yet elegant, they demonstrated what a Bordeaux blend could be, impressing even the most suspicious of Opus cynics. Regardless of the late vintage fanfare, there were winners in each of the flights. But like all tastings, each vintage had qualities and fans of its own, leading to the recurring, yet looming question: Is Opus worth its price? A very interesting contemplation indeed, for it is difficult to compare it to any other wine. Like many mixed breeds, Opus One tends to not fit in anywhere. It is too earthy for typical California styles and too fruity for a Bordeaux. Opus is a class act of its own. And although not inexpensive, when compared against certain Napa neighbors, its price point does make sense. Opus One--Vintage 1980 Napa Valley Levels: both lots base of neck; lot 166 lightly corroded capsule Both lots in original wooden cases "ruby; a low-keyed charmer, showing well." MB, Vintage Wine 1 impériale per lot
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
