Opus One Proprietary Red 2011 [1.5L]
(Napa Valley, California) - [VM 92+] [JS 92] [ST 90]

The 2011 vintage started with unseasonably late rainfall in June which disrupted fruit set. This variable rain and low temperatures reduced the number and size of berries on each cluster yet increased concentration of the fruit. Harvest began on September 22nd and ended on October 25th.

Varietals: 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot , 8% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Malbec

Skin Contact: 17 Days

Barrel Aging: 18 Months in New French Oak

Tasting Notes

Fresh aromas of bright red fruits, bay leaf and cassis give way to subtler notes of black tea and white pepper. Round tannins and creamy texture envelop the familiar flavors of fresh cherry and dark chocolate. This polished and age-worthy wine simultaneously offers a satiny finish and a slight grip of tannin at the close.

92+ Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2011 Opus One may turn out to be one of the surprises of the year. A brilliant, precise wine, the 2011 impresses for its energy. Sweet floral and spiced notes lead to expressive dark red berries, mocha, anise and new leather in a brilliant Opus One. Readers will note the lower than normal presence of Cabernet Sauvignon in the 2011, which is typical for a year in which blenders play an important role. The blend is 71% Cabernet, 11% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot/8% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec." -Antonio Galloni (November 2013)

92 Points - James Suckling:
"This is very aromatic and pretty with plum, cherry and currant aromas, plus hints of chocolate. It's full-bodied, with soft, silky tannins and a clean, fresh finish. This is a subtly fruity, juicy red with a pretty texture. Drink or hold. For early drinking. 71% cabernet sauvignon, 11% merlot, 9% petit verdot, 8% cabernet franc and 1% malbec." - James Suckling (May 15, 2014)

90 Points - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar:
"(14% alcohol): Deep ruby-red. Rather cool aromas of plum syrup, cocoa powder, licorice and fresh herbs. Spicier and leaner than the young 2012, with a strong impression of acidity and an herbal element giving a tart quality to the blackberry, graphite and leather flavors. Finishes brisk but a bit sour, with some spiky acidity and lingering pepper and herb notes. I can't imagine this distinctly cool wine blossoming in the bottle." - Stephen Tanzer (May/Jun 2014)