Opus One 2019
Opus One was founded by Baron Philippe de Rothschild, legendary proprietor of Château Mouton Rothschild, and renowned Napa Valley vintner Robert Mondavi. By combining the great winemaking traditions and innovations of both families, the founders’ singular goal was to create an exceptional wine in the heart of Napa Valley. Opus One, like any great work, arose out of passion. Dedicated to uncompromised quality, Opus One’s sole purpose is to express this vision and passionate spirit for generations to come.
VINTAGE 2o19
Abundant spring rains, nearly double the annual average, saturated the soil and provided ample water for the growing season. The first signs of budbreak were observed in the vineyard on March 27th; a full 15 days later than usual. This delay led to later bloom and veraison. However, warmer temperatures toward the end of summer accelerated the fruit’s development and maturity. Picking began on September 10th, a couple of days earlier than average. The harvest lasted four weeks, and activity in the cellar proceeded at a calm and steady pace.
The Opus One 2019 has intense aromas of black plum, blueberry, black currant, and dried rose petals, accentuated by mineral undertones. The creamy, satiny texture is framed by finegrained tannins. The freshness and soft glow of acidity create a subtle tension with dark fruit flavors, savory herbs, espresso, and cocoa. A delicate dark chocolate bitterness lingers on the finish.
VARIETALS
Cabernet Sauvignon 78%, Merlot 8%, Petit Verdot 6%, Cabernet Franc 6%, and Malbec 2%
SKIN CONTACT
22 days
BARREL AGING
19 months in new French oak
Chateau de Pommard Clos Marey – Monge “Micault” 2019
A pure expression of a minimally oaked Pinot Noir, Micault 2019 displays a deep ruby color. This refreshing and elegant wine features the aroma of red fruit, rose and peony, with a hint of spice. On the palate, the tannins are ethereal and lacy. Micault 2019 explodes in the mouth with its jubilant juicy red fruit profile. Enjoyable today, this Pommard will evolve gracefully over the next 10 years.
Maturation: 18 months in 15% new French oak barrels
Food Pairing: Beef, Veal, Game (deer, venison), Poultry
Arnaldo Rivera Barbera D’Alba DOC Valdisera 2019
Yangarra Roux Beaute Roussanne 2019
The 2019 growing season was very dry, which resulted in incredibly low yields. We had a relatively warm lead up to the ripening period, which produced a very condensed and fast harvest. With Roussanne being a late ripening variety, it faired very well in a season like this, giving rise to concentration, freshness of flavor and marked natural acidity.
Hand-picked from Block 6 (1.0 ha) on March 16th, our oldest Roussanne planting which is now 15 years old. 50% is destemmed, crushed, and filled to 675L ceramic eggs, where it is fermented and remains on the skins for 193 days. The other 50% is pressed into ceramic eggs and fermented off of the skins. The final blend was 40% extended skin batch and 60% without skin contact. The final blend was 40% extended skin batch and 60% without skin contact. Bottled November 2019.
“This is a rich white, showing impressive structure and plenty of ripe lemon, pear, peach and mangosteen with some savory pastry-like notes, too. The palate has a tangy edge and smooth-toned phenolics carrying plenty of flavor. From organically grown grapes. Drink over the next six years.” – 94 points, Nick Stock at James Suckling
Yangarra Estate King’s Wood Shiraz 2019
Royal Oaks and King’s Wood were forests planted by monarchs to build cathedrals and navies.
The wine is exclusively matured in 25hL French oak Foudre for 15 months. No pressings.
"Rich dark plums, blueberries and blackberries with some olive, forest-wood and dark-stony elements, too. Impressive depth on the palate with dark fruit laced with spices. Such rich fruit with appealing, drinkable style. The calling card of shiraz in this region." - 95 points, James Suckling
“Incredibly vibrant deep purple colour in the glass. Subdued nose, dark loam and black fruits lurk with intent. Remarkable poise for such a young wine, dark fruits, blood and ironstone all meld seamlessly. Full of palate yet has a feeling of compression from acid and tannin so it pushes very deep and long. Time will provide even further layers and complexity.” - Stuart Knox; The Real Review
Predicador Blanco 2019
In the nose have notes of fine and aromatics herbs, flowers and fruits like apricot and plum. It’s fresh, complex and very mineral. It has very elegant oak notes.
The palate is balanced in terms of maturity, warmth with very present and long acidity. This is a very fresh white wine, with good tannin structure, fine and lively. Good volume and long.
44% Viura, 36% Malvasía, 20% Garnacha Blanca
"Apricot, fresh mango, lemon pie, stones and smoked almonds on the nose. It’s medium- to full-bodied with fresh acidity and a rich, round palate." - James Suckling