The Opus One 2017 offers a harmonious aromatic balance of rich dark fruit, stems of roses, and earthy forest floor. Superb flavors and excellent ripening led to an earlier than expected harvest, which commenced on the 5th of September. Despite Mother Nature’s variability, favorable weather in August provided optimal conditions for fruit development and maturation. The summer, in turn, was warm and punctuated by occasional heat waves. Increased soil moisture allowed for healthy vine growth and development. The abundant rainfall continued into March, causing a modest delay in budbreak, and pushing bloom back by two weeks. The winter of 2017 ended a five-year drought with January recording the most rainfall in over 20 years. A delicate dark chocolate bitterness lingers on the finish. The freshness and soft glow of acidity create a subtle tension with dark fruit flavors, savory herbs, espresso, and cocoa. The creamy, satiny texture is framed by fine-grained tannins. The Opus One 2019 has intense aromas of black plum, blueberry, black currant, and dried rose petals, accentuated by mineral undertones. Harvest lasted four weeks, and activity in the cellar proceeded at a calm and steady pace. Picking began on September 10th, a couple of days earlier than average. However, warmer temperatures toward the end of summer accelerated the fruit’s development and maturity. This delay led to later bloom and veraison. The first signs of budbreak were observed in the vineyard on March 27th a full 15 days later than usual. Buyers looking for additional bottle age may consider the 2014 vintage at a slight premium it also carries a score of 96 points.Abundant spring rains, nearly double the annual average, saturated the soil and provided ample water for the growing season. The chart below shows an 81% correlation between the price of the wine and the bottle age. Prices for Opus One are not closely correlated to critic scores, instead the vintages have appreciated in price with the passing of time. She observed the wine as “medium bodied, the palate has a lively skip in its step, featuring bags of juicy raspberry and cassis-laced fruits and a refreshing line, supported by ripe, plush tannins, finishing long and graceful”. Lisa Perrotti-Brown also gave the wine 95 points, the top range of her barrel score (92-95). Volumes released however are said to be down 27% on the previous year.Īntonio Galloni awarded the wine 95 points, saying it is “one of the most complete wines of the vintage,” and “has a distinctly red-toned fruit profile that distinguishes it from the surrounding vintages”. However, Lisa Perrotti-Brown informed that “Opus one had picked 91% of their fruit before the fires started in 2017, and only two lots were eliminated from consideration”. Antonio Galloni in his first impressions on the region, stated “readers will have to be very selective”, there are “some examples where smoke taint is impossible to ignore”. The wine is being offered by the international trade at £2740 per 12×75, a 6.8% decrease from the 2016 opening price of £2940 per case.ĭuring the 2017 vintage in Napa, wildfires ravaged the Northern California area affecting both the size and taste (smoke taint) of the harvest. Opus One 2017 has been released at €215 per bottle ex-négociant, down 4.4% on the 2016 release (€225).
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |