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Opus one 2004 vintage tasting notes8/12/2023 ![]() 2016 represents another immensely successful vintage highlighting all the virtues of Bolgheri’s climate: abundant sunshine, without excessive heat, a dry summer to allow the grapes to achieve perfect ripeness and concentration, and just about enough rain to avoid stress. Ornellaia is a cuvée of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc & Petit Verdot and the faithful expression of unique terroir developed in harmony with nature. After 18 months, the wine is bottled and held an additional 15 months until release on October 1st each year. From tasting berries to careful sorting and extended aging in new French oak barrels, each stage of the winemaking process is afforded the same meticulous consideration and attention. Guided by the vision of our founders, our winemaker, Michael Silacci, combines intuition and technical acumen with the dual perspective of viticulturist and winemaker. When modern techniques benefit the winegrowing process, they are researched, evaluated and integrated into practice. In the vineyards, hand-harvesting and other traditional approaches are taken wherever they work best. These are complemented by the combined 70 acres of the Ballestra and River parcels, which envelop the winery. Two parcels, totaling 100 acres, are within the renowned To Kalon Vineyard. The estate vineyards of Opus One, comprised of 4 parcels, sit in the western portion of the famed Oakville AVA. ![]() Nearly four decades later, we continue to refine the complex subtleties of Opus One by honoring traditional methods and the continual pursuit of innovation and improvement. When our founders created Opus One, they dreamed of a great wine that would transcend generations. This singular mission shapes every vintage, today and for generations to come. Together, our founders set out to create a single wine dedicated to the pursuit of uncompromising quality. Opus One is the realized dream of two men: Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Chateau Mouton Rothschild in Bordeaux and Napa Valley vintner Robert Mondavi. Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon 84%, Petit Verdot 6%, Merlot 5%, Cabernet Franc 4%, and Malbec 1% Beautifully balanced, the smooth round tannins and fresh acidity combine to create a soft, creamy mouthfeel and extend the flavors into a long persistent finish. The seamlessly layered flavors build to a crescendo of fresh and juicy black-fruit, accented with hints of orange zest, licorice and dark chocolate. Elegant notes of violets, white pepper and rose petals follow and together they deliver a very seductive bouquet. The Opus One 2018 offers profuse aromas of blackberry, cassis and black cherry. Harvest began on September 19th with a steady pace that continued until the last fruit arrived on October 25th. While the season got off to a later start, veraison occurred only seven days later than the average which gave the fruit the necessary time to ripen perfectly. Flawless conditions ensued during flowering and fruit set which led to higher-than-average yields. Just before budbreak provided the necessary water for canopy development. The beginning of the year was notably dry however, well-timed rainfall The vineyards enjoyed idyllic growing conditions with consistent weather and milder temperatures in 2018.
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