Cabernet Sauvignon is the primary grape variety in this Napa Valley red wine; in the 2012 vintage, it accounted for 79% of the blend, along with 7% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, 6% Merlot, and 2% Malbec. That year, Opus One was harvested between 21 September and 20 October, following a mild spring and a growing season that Napa growers described as nearly ideal.
During fermentation, the grapes underwent 18 days of skin contact, followed by 18 months of aging entirely in new French oak barrels. Although the oak aroma is quite strong, it is well supported by rich aromas of blackcurrant and dark chocolate, with savoury and earthy notes underlying the profile. Full-bodied yet smooth, it offers refined tannins and a long, sophisticated finish.
The winemaking for this wine is the work of the Mouton Rothschild team, who represent the Bordeaux side of the partnership that operates this winery. It is ready to drink now, though it benefits from about an hour of decanting. It will be at its best through 2044.
Robert Parker (96)
The iconic 2012 Proprietary Red Opus One is a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, 6% Merlot and 2% Malbec aged 18 months in French oak. A classy, complex, suave and savory 2012 Opus One, with notes of toasty oak and crème de cassis. This Pauillac lookalike, made by the staff at Mouton Rothschild, is a beauty. They have continued to strengthen the quality of wine and seem to have produced a brilliant, world-class wine. I imagine the 2013 may even eclipse this, but this 2012 is one of their great ones, with a seamless integration of acidity, tannin, alcohol and wood all present in this beautiful, full-bodied wine that should drink well for 25-30 years.
James Suckling (97)
Glorious purity of fruit here with black currants, blueberries, dark chocolate, fresh herbs and forest floor. Hints of mint too, plus hazelnut and chocolate. Full body with seamless tannins and balance. Tight and compacted tannins with beautiful fruit and great length. Goes on for minutes. One of the best Opus' in years. Hard not to drink now but better in 2018. October 2015 release. This is 79% cabernet sauvignon, 7% cabernet franc, 6% merlot, 6% petit verdot and 2% malbec.
BOW (8.5)
Owen Bargreen (98)
The 2012 Opus One is a stunning rendition of this wine that is glorious now at the thirteen year mark. This is delightfully Bordelaise on the nose with red bell pepper, green peppercorns and shades of red currants. This is seamless wine throughout the drinking experience. Soft, with loads of tension, richness and salty nuance, this is a totally head-turning wine that will continue to live on for at least another ten to fifteen years.
Jane Anson (97)
Clearly more concentrated than the 2011, showcasing espresso, liquorice, bitter black chocolate, mint leaf, blackcurrant, cassis, blood orange, velvety tannins. This captures the exuberance of Napa tempered by the restraint of Opus and will power for decades. Great balance, great stuff, hard not to fall in love with. 100% new oak for ageing, Michael Silacci director, harvest September 21 to October 20, 18 days skin contact.
