Wines Napa Valley Opus One - 2022

The 2022 Opus One is a remarkable red wine crafted in the heart of California’s prestigious Napa Valley AVA. This vintage is a classic Bordeaux blend, primarily comprising Cabernet Sauvignon, with the addition of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. The grapes for Opus One are meticulously chosen from two exceptional estate vineyards: the historic To Kalon and the adjacent Opus One estate. Each parcel is vinified separately using gravity-flow techniques, allowing for careful extraction and delicate integration of tannins. The wine then ages in new French oak barrels, typically for around 18 months, imparting subtle notes of spice and elegance while retaining the purity of fruit and the wine's characteristic structure.

Napa Valley, renowned for its dynamic microclimates and diverse soils, is one of the world's great wine regions. Its Mediterranean climate boasts warm days and cool nights, ideal for the slow ripening of Cabernet Sauvignon and its blending partners. The valley floor and surrounding foothills comprise a mosaic of alluvial, volcanic and sedimentary soils, which bring both complexity and longevity to the wines produced here. Napa’s history dates back to the 19th century, but it is in recent decades—championed by vignerons like Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild—that the region has become synonymous with world-class Cabernet blends reminiscent of Bordeaux's finest.

A wine of depth and finesse, Opus One 2022 demands equally refined food pairings. It shines phenomenally with classic dishes such as roast rack of lamb with rosemary, seared duck breast with cherry sauce, or a perfectly cooked filet mignon. Given its Californian pedigree, it also complements regional cuisine, such as slow-cooked short ribs or wild mushroom risotto. The wine's structure and acidity make it a sublime partner for matured hard cheeses, particularly aged Comté or cheddar.

For a full sensory experience, decant the wine for at least 1-2 hours before serving to open up its bouquet of blackcurrant, violet, graphite and gentle oak. The ideal serving temperature is 16-18°C, enabling the rich fruit and supple tannins to express themselves harmoniously in the glass. Patience will also reward those who choose to cellar this exceptional bottle, allowing complexity to evolve beautifully over the coming decade or more.