Cabernet Sauvignon dominiert diesen Rotwein aus dem Napa Valley von Opus One, ergänzt durch Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot und Malbec aus den fast 70 Hektar Rebfläche des Weinguts.
Das Weinbaujahr 2010 brachte zahlreiche Herausforderungen mit sich. Kälteeinbrüche und vorzeitige Regenfälle wechselten sich ab, gefolgt von einer Phase mit heißem, sonnigem Wetter, und gegen Ende August und September stiegen die Temperaturen deutlich an. Sowohl der Austrieb als auch die Blüte erfolgten 8 Tage später als im 5-Jahres-Durchschnitt, und aufgrund der Kombination aus Hitze und Regen begann die Lese früher als erwartet. Die Lese fand vom 23. September bis zum 23. Oktober statt; anstatt den gesamten Weinberg auf einmal zu ernten, wurde über einen Zeitraum von 31 Tagen selektiv geerntet.
Nach einer 19-tägigen Mazeration auf der Maische reifte der Wein 18 Monate lang in neuen französischen Eichenfässern. Aromen von schwarzen Johannisbeeren dominieren, gefolgt von herzhaften und würzigen Noten. Vollmundig und geschmacksintensiv, dabei jedoch raffiniert; die Tannine sind weich, und der Abgang ist frisch, rein und lang anhaltend.
Constellation Brands ist seit 2005 Eigentümer von Opus One, und die Familie Rothschild bleibt Miteigentümerin. Der Wein lässt sich am besten bis 2040 genießen. Es wird empfohlen, ihn eine Stunde vor dem Genuss zu dekantieren.
Robert Parker (96)
A glorious perfume of sweet charcoal, truffle, black currants and spice box soars from the glass of the saturated purple-colored 2010 Opus One. The gorgeous aromatics are followed by a beautifully knit, full-bodied red blend (84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5.5% Merlot, 5.5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec) displaying lots of spicy black currant fruit, medium to full body, velvety tannins, and not a hard edge to be found. The texture, length and richness are all impressive. This estate has been making great Cabernet-based wines for nearly a decade ... and this is another one. Drink it over the next 20+ years.
Winespectator (95)
"It was tae kwon do with mother nature in 2010," says Silacci. "We had everything thrown at us—heat, rain. A challenging year, but we found out we could pick earlier than we thought." The wine is focused, with a cassis and cherry paste core, supported by chalky minerality at first, changing to iron through the finish. Lots of savory flecks hang in the end, with the fruit easily keeping pace. Still quite young. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec.—Non-blind Opus One vertical (September 2019).
James Suckling (96)
Lots of blackcurrant and crème de cassis aromas. Then turns to mint and rose stem. Full body with broad but polished tannins and a fresh, clean finish. Powerful but poised. The finish lasts for minutes. Extremely well crafted. This needs time to soften and come together. One of the top Opus Ones for a long time. Winemaker says it is his best vintage ever. 84% cabernet sauvignon, 5.5% merlot, 5.5% cabernet franc, 4% petit verdot and 1% malbec.
Jancis Robinson (18)
The 2010 vintage was a uniquely demanding year with tremendous variability – unseasonably cold days, untimely rainfall, and surprisingly sunny and hot days. While colder than normal, the leaves were able to produce the necessary sugar. Budbreak and flowering were eight days later than the five-year average. Unexpectedly high temperatures in late August and September allowed the vines to finish the growing season well. Having left sufficient leaves on the vines so as to have a full canopy, the grapes avoided possible sunburn from this late-season heat. Harvest began on 23 September and concluded 31 days later on 23 October. 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5.5% Merlot, 5.5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec. 19-day skin contact. 18 months in new French oak. Bright crimson. Light and pretty with a whiff of tobacco leaf. Good freshness and bite. Long and glowing on the end. Very flattering and mineral.
BOW (9-)
Owen Bargreen (96)
The 2010 Opus One Red Wine is a simply magical wine from this slightly cooler vintage in the Napa Valley. The wine begins with suggestions of red bell pepper and anise aromas that mingle with the dark fruits and chocolate tones on the nose. The silky, pillowy mouthfeel is exquisite. Mocha, Creme de cassis, anise and creosote flavors all mingle together with a bright sense of minerality on the palate. The freshness imparted is wonderful. At nine years of age this is just an infant — but it is also highly difficult to resist.
Jane Anson (96)
Primary and muscular, with tannins that are on the austere side. This is a wonderfully fragrant, robust and concentrated interpretation of Cabernet Sauvignon, garrigue, dried herbs, espresso, less generous than some but maintains juice and balance, blackcurrant, rose buds, textural with a crayon and slate feel. 19 days skin contact, 100% new oak for ageing, harvest lasted exactly one month from September 23 to October 23 after a year with a cool start followed by an intense heat wave.
