2021 Opus One red wine, Napa Valley [100pts] For Sale

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Tasting Notes:

100 points Jane Anson

A classical vintage that perfectly suits the Opus style. Gorgeous vivid plum colour, sculpted, balanced, with a ton of lift, waves of rose petals, iris and peony, soft grilled cumin, sage and white pepper spice. Love the hidden power here and the supple slightly chalky tannins that are structured in their architecture with a precision and carved quality. Precise, layered and stretched out, a brilliant Opus, concentrated and yet delicate. Feels pared back and captures the spirit of early Opus, when it moved forward the conversation of what Napa could be. Michael Silacci director, 100% new oak for ageing extremely well integrated even now.

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.

98 points The Wine Independent

The 2021 Opus One is composed of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, and 0.5% each of Merlot and Malbec. It was bottled in July 2023. Deep garnet-purple in color, it comes barreling out of the glass with gregarious notions of creme de cassis, wild blueberries, and redcurrant jelly followed by hints of cedar chest, sassafras, vanilla pod, and dark chocolate plus a waft of lilacs. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers shimmery red, black, and blue fruit layers with a firm texture of rounded tannins and impressive tension, finishing long and fragrant. (LPB)

97 points Jeb Dunnuck

The 2021 Opus One is brilliant and I think one of the finest wines made from this estate. Deep ruby/purple-hued, with a gorgeous perfume of cassis, darker raspberries, spicy oak, and obvious minerality, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, seamless mouthfeel, lots of ripe tannins, and a great finish. It shines on all accounts and is complex, nuanced, textured, and beautifully balanced. It will have 30 years of prime drinking.

97 points Vinous

The 2021 Opus One is absolutely gorgeous. Vibrant, layered and quite sensual in feel, the 2021 possesses the concentration and depth of years such as 2013 and 2010 but with more polished tannins. Dark red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal, mint and a touch of cinnamon open gracefully. Sweet floral notes extend the mid-palate into the finish, where silky tannins wrap it all together. The 2021 is an incredibly promising Opus One. (AG)

Cult Wines International Notes:

Opus One, a name synonymous with luxury in the world of fine wine, is a testament to the visionary partnership between Robert Mondavi, the pioneer of California winemaking, and Baron Philippe de Rothschild, scion of the esteemed Bordeaux family.

Their shared vision, born from a meeting in Hawaii in 1970, aimed to unite the best of Old World and New World winemaking philosophies. This collaboration culminated in the creation of Opus One in 1979, a groundbreaking blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and other Bordeaux varietals.

The estate, nestled in the heart of Oakville, Napa Valley, boasts over 100 acres of vineyards, including a significant portion from the legendary To Kalon Vineyard. The unique terroir of Napa Valley, with its Mediterranean climate and diverse soils, provides the ideal conditions for cultivating exceptional grapes.

Meticulous viticulture and winemaking practices ensure the highest quality. Hand-harvested grapes are carefully sorted, and the wine is aged in French oak barrels. The final blend, overseen by renowned winemaker Michael Silacci, achieves a harmonious balance of fruit, oak, and tannins.

Opus One is celebrated for its intense aromas of dark fruit, mineral undertones, and a velvety texture. It is a wine of exceptional complexity and elegance, reflecting the dedication of its creators and the unique terroir of Napa Valley.

Opus One stands as a lasting testament to the enduring legacy of Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild, a symbol of excellence that continues to inspire and delight wine enthusiasts worldwide.

Bottle Size:

750 mL

Storage History:

Stored on its side in a climate-controlled cellar since release.

Condition:

Excellent condition, as shown.

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Returns, Cancellations & Refunds

We offer a 30-day return policy. Wines must be returned in their original condition. We do not refund opened or tampered bottles. Adult signature is required. If a package is returned after 3 failed delivery attempts, a $45 restocking/shipping fee will be deducted from your refund.

Disclaimer

At Cult Wines International, we take every precaution to store our wines in a temperature-controlled environment. However, once a package leaves our facility, we cannot control environmental factors. For this reason, we do not offer refunds for wine affected by transit temperatures.

Proactive Solutions:To protect your investment, we recommend utilizing our \"Weather Hold\" service during extreme seasons. For immediate shipping in summer, we offer cool packs and expedited services to minimize the risk of seepage. Please note that minor leakage caused by heat expansion is not considered damage and is not eligible for a refund.

Quality Guarantee:At Cult Wines International, we go to great lengths to ensure the quality of our portfolio, carefully vetting every bottle for provenance and condition. While we maintain a state-of-the-art, climate-controlled storage environment, wine is a living product that evolves uniquely over time. Due to this natural evolution, we cannot guarantee the condition of the cork or the flavor profile once the bottle is opened. Older vintages, in particular, carry an inherent risk; corks may become fragile or shrink, and the wine may be past its peak drinking window. We strive for total transparency. Any known condition issues are detailed in our descriptions and reflected in the price. Plainly put: There is always a risk with older wines. You may open one up and have one of the greatest experiences of your life. You may open a similar bottle and find its past its prime or oxidized. That is the inherent risk assumed by the buyer in the vintage wine world.

Regarding Vintage Wines (Over 20 Years Old)

To ensure you have the best possible experience with your purchase, especially with bottles 20 years or older, we recommend following these 7 professional guidelines. Vintage wine is a unique, evolving product that requires specific care to show its best.

1. Understand Fill Levels (Ullage): The \"fill level\" is an indicator of the wine\'s condition. While not a definitive rule, a wine at the base neck or higher carries minimal risk of oxidation. As the level drops to mid-shoulder or below, the risk of oxidation increases (statistically 35-40% or higher). Please consider the fill level shown in our photos as part of your purchase decision.

2. Let the Bottle Rest (Sediment Management): Over decades, tannins precipitate out of the wine, creating natural sediment and changing the color of the wine. While harmless, this sediment is bitter and can cloud the wine.Stand the bottle upright in a cool, dark place for several days (or even weeks when possible) before opening.Never transport an old wine and open it immediately; the movement will stir up the sediment, making it impossible to decant properly.

3. Use the Right Tools: Standard corkscrews often shred fragile, aged corks. To remove an old cork intact, we highly recommend using an Ah-So or, ideally, a Durand. These specialized tools are designed to grip the cork from the sides, preventing it from crumbling into the wine.

4. Decant for Clarity: The primary goal of decanting an old wine is to separate the wine from its sediment. When removing the cork, be sure not to shake the bottle or disturb the contents within. Pour the wine slowly into a decanter in one continuous motion, stopping the moment you see sediment reach the shoulder of the bottle. YouTube has excellent visual guides on \"decanting vintage wine\" if you are new to the process.

5. Allow the Wine to Breathe: Aged wines have been \"sleeping\" in an anaerobic environment for years and may have a temporary \"musty\" aroma upon opening. Allow the wine to breathe in the decanter for 20-30 minutes. This allows the secondary and tertiary aromas to blossom while the \"bottle funk\" dissipates.

6. Manage Flavor Expectations: Vintage wine does not taste like a \"better\" version of a young wine. It tastes like a different wine.Young Wine: Bold, fruity, and high in tannin.Aged Wine: Earthy, savory, and delicate. You can expect notes of leather, forest floor, and dried spices rather than fresh fruit. The texture will be silkier and lighter on the palate.

7. Know Which Wines Age: Not every bottle is meant for the long haul. High-end reds (Cabernet, Nebbiolo, Syrah), complex whites (Riesling, White Burgundy), and dessert wines (Sauternes, Port) benefit most from decades of cellaring.

AI DisclaimerPlease Note: Cult Wines International sometimes uses AI (Artificial Intelligence) to aid in creating the detailed history & vintage notes on our listings. While we strive for accuracy, occasional errors may exist.