Opus One 2023 (75cl, 14.5%)

A Bordeaux-style red blend from Oakville, Napa Valley, born from the partnership between Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild. Opus One Winery was founded in 1979 as a joint venture between Napa Valley and Bordeaux. The estate is planted predominantly to Cabernet Sauvignon, with supporting plenty of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. The blend composition shifts each vintage, though Cabernet Sauvignon consistently forms the backbone. Fermentation and aging take place in French oak barriques, and the wine is assembled through set-by-set blending trials led by winemaker Michael Silacci. The nose opens with concentrated blackcurrant and dark plum, layered with violet, graphite and subtle cedar, then espresso bean, dried herb and mineral earthiness. The palate is dense yet polished, with ripe black cherry and cassis, structured fine-grained tannins and integrated oak. The finish is long and layered, with persistent dark fruit, graphite and iron-tinged minerality.