K&L Opus One Vertical Tasting
Location: K&L Store in Hollywood, California
Date & Time: Friday Jan 30th 2009, 5:30-7:30pm
Vintages: 1985, 99, 2000, 01, 02, 03, 04, 05
In the last 4 years I have been on a journey to develop a wine palate. I decided to focus on Central Coast of California wines because they are a 2 to 4 hour drive to visit. I am a neophyte when it comes to wines.
I received an email from K&L my local wine store about this once in a lifetime tasting of Opus One a top Northern California winery. This was the start of my birthday celebration week so I treated myself to this $100 tasting event as part of my wine education.
Enjoy
Francesca
I attended this tasting with my friend and fellow wine drinker Mike Teller. There was a good group of people at the event who where local and from Northern California. One pair of brothers traveled by car from San Francisco for the event. They were planning on driving home the same day. Cheese and crackers were served by the K&L crew. Mari Keilman from K&L poured the wines and provided some input into each bottle.
My favorite vintages in order were 1999, 2001 and 2003. I would need to have the 1985 vintage with food to see if food would bring the wine out more.To me it just seemed to be too smooth and not much flavor. I truly disliked the 2000 and felt both the smell (Hay like) and taste was foul. The 2005 was just to young to really know what its true taste would be when it was mature and ready. The 02 and 04 were fine but did not standout as much. This style of wine is not to my taste but I felt privileged to taste them. In my wine tasting journey I find I tend to enjoy Pinot Noir wines. Mari was kind enough to save me the empty bottles from the tasting. I have them showcase in a wooden Opus One wine crate.
Opus One HistoryIn 1980 the wine partnership between Baron Philippe De Rothschild and Robert Mondavi became official. In 1981 Robert Mondavi sells Q block (35 acres), part of his famous ToKalon Vineyard, to the joint venture for its first estate vineyard. In 1983 a 50-acre ranch, The "River Parcel", is purchased for the joint venture. The property is east of Highway 29 in Napa California. The same year the name Opus One was agreed upon by the partners. They wanted something that would be easily recognized in both English and French. In 84 the 1979 and 1980 vintages are simultaneously unveiled as Opus One's first release. Opus One acquires the 49-acre Ballestra Vineyard, adjacent to the River Parcel. The 1985 which I tasted was the first vintage to be sold in France, the UK, Germany and Switzerland.
Website
www.opusonewinery.com/
1985
Vintage
One of Napa Valley's best vintages in decade, 1985 saw an early bud break, a long, moderate growing season, and dry, warm weather during harvest,. Wines are rich, supple, and very aromatic, showing great balance and length.
Varietals
Cabernet Sauvignon 90%, Cabernet Franc 4%, Merlot 6 %
Skin Contact - 21 Days
Barrel Aging - 17 months New French Oak
1999
Vintage
After moderate summer temperatures in 1999, a glorious Indian summer put the final touches of maturity on a fine harvest. The 1999 Opus One offers aromas od cassis, cloves, and roasted almonds against a creamy texture of soft tannins and round, rich fruit. Long-lived and concentrated, the wine shows flavors of plum, cherry and black pepper against a silky
Varietals
Cabernet Sauvignon 84%, Cabernet Franc 5%, Merlot 7 %, Petit Verdot 1%, Malbec 3%
Skin Contact - 40 Days
Barrel Aging - 17 months New French Oak
2000
Vintage
Despite an early bud break, vintage 2000 saw a long, cool growing season, with a harvest extending into late October. Soft and plush in texture, the 2000 Opus One offers aromas of sandalwood, leather, carmel, and a hint of anise. Showing flavors of blackberry and herbs, the wine is harmonious with sweet tannins and a long, intense finish.
Varietals
Cabernet Sauvignon 84%, Cabernet Franc 5%, Merlot 6 %, Petit Verdot 2%, Malbec 3%
Skin Contact - 44 Days
Barrel Aging - 19 months New French Oak
2001
Vintage
Vintage 2001 produced small, concentrated berries and an excellent unhurried harvest. The 2001 Opus One shows aromas of blank currant, black cherry liqeur, plum, fresh vanilla, with hints of graham cracker and black peppercorn. A supple, creamy entry is follwoed by intense flavors of ripe black cherry, cassis, and dark chocolate, finishing wit
Varietals
Cabernet Sauvignon 87%, Cabernet Franc 2%, Merlot 6 %, Petit Verdot 2%, Malbec 3%
Skin Contact - 32 Days
Barrel Aging - 17 months New French Oak
2002
Vintage
Opus One thinned the 2002 vintage to the lowest per-arce yeild in a decade, encourgaing quality and concentration of flavors. The 2002 Opus One shows aromas of dried strawberry, vanilla bean, and mocha with flavors of casasis, black cherry, plum and espresso. Offering a lean, vibrant entry with profond, mid-palate, the wine finishes with a bittersweet
Varietals
Cabernet Sauvignon 86%, Cabernet Franc 3%, Merlot 6 %, Petit Verdot 2%, Malbec 3%
Skin Contact - 32 Days
Barrel Aging - 20 months New French Oak
2003
Vintage
The harvest of 2003 began September 17th and concluded on a November 2nd, the day before the heavist rains. A moderately deep garnet, the 03 Opus One offers aromas of blackberry, plum, hazelnut, graphite, olive oil, cocoa and dried cherries. The wine presents a soft entry, nuances of dark chocolate black licorice and
Varietals
Cabernet Sauvignon 91%, Cabernet Franc 3%, Merlot 2%, Petit Verdot 1%, Malbec 1%
Skin Contact - 32 Days
Barrel Aging - 17 months New French Oak
2004
Vintage
The 04 harvest ended October 1st with the lowest per-acre yeild since 1987. Showing a lustrous dark ruby, the 04 Opus One presents aromas of violets, cedar, black tea leaves, black pepper and brioche. A soft, creamy entry gives way to a concentrated mid-palate; elements of cassis, toffee and cocoa round out the rich flavors of the wine.
Varietals
Cabernet Sauvignon 86%, Cabernet Franc 2%, Merlot 7%, Petit Verdot 4%, Malbec 1%
Skin Contact - 25 Days
Barrel Aging - 17 months New French Oak
2005
Vintage
Frequent spring rains through the month of May led to a year of cool temperatures and slow ripening, with an extended harvest that ended on November 2nd. A voluptuous garnet, the o5 Opus One offers concentrated aromas of blueberry, rose petals, white truffle, licorice and nutmeg. Flavors of cassis, black olives, raseberry and dark chocolate
Varietals
Cabernet Sauvignon 88%, Cabernet Franc 3%, Merlot 5%, Petit Verdot 3%, Malbec 1%
Skin Contact - 29 Days
Barrel Aging - 18 months New French Oak
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