Opus One 2009 is a distinguished Cabernet Sauvignon-led Bordeaux-style red wine from the celebrated Oakville appellation of Napa Valley, California. Born from the historic partnership between Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild and Robert Mondavi, Opus One represents the union of Bordeaux winemaking heritage and Napa Valley terroir.

The 2009 vintage reflects a growing season characterised by cool temperatures during flowering and maturation, interrupted by two brief periods of September heat. Carefully managed vineyard conditions helped achieve balanced fruit development and the distinctive concentration of the vintage.

Opus One 2009 reveals a sophisticated aromatic profile of black olive and mineral nuances, layered with dark chocolate, cola and espresso. Ripe blueberry, cassis and liquorice unfold across the palate, creating a beautifully expressive combination of dark fruit and savoury complexity.

The wine offers a smooth, refined mouthfeel, with a delicate tannic grip providing definition on the finish. Its concentrated fruit and carefully structured composition reflect the distinctive character of this Napa Valley vintage.

Composed of five traditional Bordeaux grape varieties, Opus One 2009 underwent 20 days of skin contact followed by 17 months of maturation in new French oak barrels.

Now a mature vintage, Opus One 2009 offers collectors and fine wine enthusiasts the opportunity to experience the evolution of one of Napa Valley's most recognised wines. Its drinking condition depends on the provenance and storage history of each bottle.

Following two consecutive years of dry spring conditions, the Opus One estate vineyards received almost 150mm of rainfall at the beginning of 2009.

In response, the vineyard team adjusted cultivation and irrigation practices to encourage appropriate vine vigour and fruit yields. Maintaining a balanced canopy was particularly important, allowing sufficient foliage for photosynthesis without excessive shading of the grapes.

Cool temperatures prevailed during flowering and fruit maturation, providing a measured growing environment. Two brief periods of intense heat occurred in September, adding complexity to the latter stages of ripening.

Harvest began on September 21 and concluded on October 20, 2009, following record rainfall for the month of October.

The combination of cool seasonal conditions, carefully managed vineyard growth and selective harvest decisions contributed to the vintage's concentrated fruit expression, savoury character and structural balance.

Aroma: Distinctive black olive and mineral characteristics complement deeper aromatic impressions of dark chocolate, cola and espresso. The combination creates a complex profile of savoury, roasted and dark-fruit nuances.

Palate: Ripe blueberry and cassis provide concentrated fruit flavours, complemented by liquorice and subtle savoury undertones.

Texture: Smooth and refined, with a balanced tannic structure that supports the wine's concentrated fruit.

Finish: A smooth, persistent finish with a slight grip of tannin at the close, providing definition and structure.

Structure: A harmonious combination of ripe dark fruit, savoury aromatic complexity and carefully integrated tannins.

Mature Vintage Character: The wine's original profile supports the development of complex secondary and tertiary characteristics, although their present expression varies according to individual bottle condition.

Ageing Potential: Originally described by Opus One as age-worthy. At its present maturity, suitability for additional cellaring depends on provenance, storage conditions and the state of the bottle.

These tasting characteristics reflect the winery's original vintage description. Individual mature bottles may display variations resulting from their storage and evolution.

Opus One 2009 is composed of five traditional Bordeaux grape varieties, with Cabernet Sauvignon forming 81% of the blend.

• Cabernet Sauvignon: 81%
• Cabernet Franc: 9%
• Petit Verdot: 6%
• Merlot: 3%
• Malbec: 1%
• Skin Contact: 20 days
• Barrel Ageing: 17 months
• Oak: New French oak

Cabernet Sauvignon provides the dominant fruit character and structural foundation, while Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Malbec contribute to the balance and complexity of the assemblage.

Following 20 days of skin contact, the wine matured for 17 months in new French oak barrels, contributing structure, depth and integration to the final wine.

• Serving Temperature: Approximately 16–18°C to highlight the wine's aromatic complexity and structural balance.
• Glassware: Serve in a generous Bordeaux-style wine glass suitable for mature Cabernet Sauvignon blends.
• Decanting: Open carefully and assess the wine before decanting. If sediment is present, gently decant shortly before serving. Avoid unnecessarily prolonged aeration of a mature bottle.
• Cellaring: Store horizontally in a consistently cool, dark and vibration-free environment, ideally around 12–15°C.
• Drinking Maturity: A mature vintage that may offer excellent drinking enjoyment when properly stored. Evaluate individual bottle condition before considering further ageing.
• Serving Occasion: Ideal for fine dining, wine collecting, milestone celebrations, private tastings and Opus One vertical tasting experiences.

For mature bottles that may have developed sediment, consider allowing the wine to rest upright before opening. Handle the bottle gently and evaluate its condition upon uncorking.

Mature wines may evolve more rapidly after opening. Taste periodically and adjust aeration according to the wine's aromatic development and condition.

These recommendations are provided by Barrels & Beyond PH and supplement the winery's original vintage information.

The mature dark-fruit profile, savoury aromatic complexity and refined tannins of Opus One 2009 complement carefully prepared meats, earthy ingredients and aged cheeses.

• Beef Tenderloin: Roasted beef tenderloin with porcini mushrooms, black truffle or a restrained red wine reduction.
• Dry-Aged Ribeye: Grilled premium beef with subtle seasoning to complement the wine's savoury notes.
• Roasted Lamb: Herb-crusted rack of lamb with rosemary, thyme and roasted garlic.
• Duck Breast: Pan-seared duck breast served with wild mushrooms or a restrained dark-fruit reduction.
• Venison and Game: Roasted venison with juniper, thyme and earthy mushroom sauces.
• Truffle and Wild Mushrooms: Porcini risotto, truffle-infused pasta or roasted wild mushrooms.
• Braised Beef Short Ribs: Slow-cooked beef with aromatic herbs and a balanced savoury sauce.
• Aged Cheeses: Mature Comté, aged Gruyère, Parmigiano Reggiano and other aged hard cheeses.

For mature bottles, consider dishes with balanced seasoning and restrained sauces rather than excessively spicy or sweet accompaniments that may overwhelm developed aromas.

These food pairings are suggested by Barrels & Beyond PH and are not presented as official Opus One recommendations.

• Producer: Opus One Winery
• Official Product Name: Opus One 2009
• Vintage: 2009
• Wine Type: Red Wine
• Wine Style: Cabernet Sauvignon-led Bordeaux Blend
• Country: United States
• State: California
• Region: Napa Valley
• Estate Vineyard Location: Oakville AVA
• Cabernet Sauvignon: 81%
• Cabernet Franc: 9%
• Petit Verdot: 6%
• Merlot: 3%
• Malbec: 1%
• Skin Contact: 20 days
• Barrel Ageing: 17 months
• Oak: New French oak
• Harvest Period: September 21 – October 20, 2009
• Winemaker: Michael Silacci
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Recommended Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
• Maturity: Mature vintage; individual bottle condition dependent
• Storage: Cool, dark and vibration-free wine cellar

Opus One was founded through the historic collaboration between Baron Philippe de Rothschild, proprietor of Château Mouton Rothschild in Bordeaux, and Robert Mondavi, one of the pioneering figures of modern Napa Valley winemaking.

Their shared vision was to create an exceptional Napa Valley wine by combining the traditions and innovations of their respective winemaking families.

Situated in the celebrated Oakville appellation of Napa Valley, the estate includes vineyard parcels within the renowned To Kalon Vineyard, together with the Ballestra and River parcels.

Under the direction of winemaker Michael Silacci, Opus One has emphasised precise vineyard management, meticulous fruit selection and thoughtful vinification.

The winery's enduring commitment to quality and the expression of its vineyard terroir has established Opus One among the most internationally recognised names in American fine wine.

The 2009 vintage offers a compelling opportunity to explore the development of this celebrated Napa Valley wine, reflecting both its distinctive growing season and the estate's pursuit of balance, complexity and elegance.