Wines Napa Valley Opus One - 2019

Viniou Reviews

Opus One 2019 is an iconic red wine born from a landmark collaboration between Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi. Crafted from Bordeaux varieties—primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, with notable proportions of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec—this vintage benefits from careful grape selection and meticulous vinification, including ageing in new French oak barrels. The 2019 vintage in Napa Valley is acclaimed for its balance and freshness, owing to a largely temperate growing season with only short periods of heat, resulting in intricate, approachable wines of excellent structure and purity. In the glass, Opus One 2019 delivers a profound bouquet of dark fruit—cassis, blackberry and black cherry—intermingled with nuances of violet, tobacco leaf, mocha and exotic spices. The palate is elegantly layered, with ripe yet precise tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, harmonious finish.

Napa Valley, long celebrated as America’s premier wine region, offers a unique environment for Bordeaux grape varieties. Its blend of Mediterranean climate, diverse soils (ranging from volcanic to loamy and gravelly), and dramatic temperature shifts between day and night gives vintners the means to produce wines of remarkable depth, power and complexity. Historically, Napa’s rise began in earnest in the 1970s and 80s, establishing itself alongside the world’s finest regions through innovation and unwavering quality, with the sub-appellation concept (AVA) further highlighting the valley’s micro-climatic diversity.

For food pairings, Opus One 2019 is spectacular with prime cuts of beef, such as grilled ribeye or roast beef with a red wine reduction, as well as rack of lamb with rosemary, or duck breast with a berry gastrique. Classic French dishes like beef Wellington or mushroom risotto allow the wine’s nuances to shine, while aged cheeses such as Comté, aged Gouda or a fine cheddar make elegant matches. For a touch of regional flair, consider it alongside American barbecue short ribs, where the bold flavours work harmoniously with the wine’s depth.

To enjoy all the complexity and grace of this wine, serve it at 16-18°C, ideally after decanting for at least an hour to allow the aromas and flavours to unfold. This vintage promises excellent aging potential but offers remarkable pleasure even in its youth.