Cabernet Sauvignon leads this Napa Valley red from Opus One, filled out with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec from the estate's nearly 70 hectares of vines.
The 2010 growing season presented many challenges. Cold spells and premature rains alternated, followed by a stretch of hot, sunny weather, and temperatures soared significantly toward the end of August and September. Both budbreak and flowering occurred 8 days later than the 5-year average, and due to the combination of heat and rain, the harvest began earlier than expected. Harvesting took place from the 23rd of September to the 23rd of October; rather than harvesting the entire vineyard at once, selective harvesting was conducted over a period of 31 days.
After a 19-day skin maceration process, the wine was aged for 18 months in new French oak barrels. Blackcurrant aromas dominate, followed by savory and spicy notes. Full-bodied and rich in flavor yet refined, the tannins are soft, and the finish is fresh, clean, and long-lasting.
Constellation Brands has owned Opus One since 2005, and the Rothschild family remains a co-owner. It is best enjoyed through 2040. Decanting one hour in advance is recommended.
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.
