Opus One 2012

A distinguished Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend from Opus One’s Oakville estate vineyards, combining concentrated dark fruit, refined texture, lively acidity and the structure for graceful development.

Description

Opus One 2012 is a Cabernet Sauvignon-led Napa Valley red wine produced from the winery’s estate vineyards in Oakville. It brings together five classic Bordeaux grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Malbec.

The 2012 growing season was distinguished by moderate temperatures, abundant sunshine and well-timed rainfall. The resulting fruit displayed remarkable flavour depth, layered complexity and excellent structure while retaining the brightness and freshness sought by the Opus One winemaking team.

After 18 days of skin contact, the wine was matured for 17½ months in new French oak. The finished wine combines concentrated dark-fruit character with satiny tannins, lively acidity and a long, structured finish.

Official Vintage Conditions

Following a warm and dry winter, generous rainfall arrived in March in time for budbreak and supplied the vineyards with the water needed for the remainder of the growing season.

Moderate temperatures and generous sunshine continued throughout the season, producing what Opus One describes as one of Napa Valley’s most exceptional vintages. At harvest, the fruit expressed the classic character of the winery’s Oakville estate vineyards, with significant flavour depth, complexity and structural balance.

Picking began on 21 September 2012 while the fruit retained freshness and lively flavour. Careful management of the incoming grapes allowed the harvest to progress evenly until its completion on 20 October 2012.

Official Tasting Profile

Fresh dark-fruit aromas are complemented by more restrained nuances of forest floor and graphite. The rounded palate and satiny tannins frame classic flavours of cassis, blackberry and black cherry.

Refined and structured, the wine combines energetic acidity with a firm foundation and a long, lingering finish. Opus One identifies the vintage as particularly suitable for extended ageing.

Opus One Library Perspective

Opus One now presents the 2012 among its distinguished library vintages and describes the wine as beautifully matured, with depth, elegance and expressive character.

In the winery’s more recent assessment, the vintage’s fruit and texture have gradually integrated into a more refined softness. Its palate is described as flowing seamlessly from beginning to finish, reflecting the graceful evolution of the wine in bottle.

Blend and Vinification

• 79% Cabernet Sauvignon
• 7% Cabernet Franc
• 6% Petit Verdot
• 6% Merlot
• 2% Malbec
• 18 days of skin contact
• 17½ months of maturation in new French oak

BBPH Serving and Cellaring Guidance

• Store horizontally in a dark, vibration-free cellar with a consistently cool temperature.
• Stand the bottle upright before serving to allow any natural sediment to settle.
• Serve at approximately 16–18°C.
• Open and taste the wine before deciding whether to decant.
• If additional aeration is desired, decant carefully for approximately 30–60 minutes.
• Use generous Bordeaux-style stemware to allow the wine’s aromatics and texture to develop.
• As with every mature bottle, its present condition will depend significantly on provenance and storage history.

This serving and cellaring guidance is provided by Barrels & Beyond PH and is supplemental to Opus One’s official vintage information.

BBPH Food Pairing Suggestions

• Prime rib, ribeye or dry-aged beef
• Beef tenderloin with red-wine reduction
• Slow-braised beef short ribs
• Roasted or grilled lamb
• Duck breast with blackberry or cassis sauce
• Venison and other refined game preparations
• Porcini, truffle and wild-mushroom dishes
• Aged Comté, Gruyère, Cheddar or Parmigiano Reggiano

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

Technical Information

• Producer: Opus One Winery
• Official Product Name: Opus One 2012
• Vintage: 2012
• Wine Type: Red wine
• Wine Style: Cabernet Sauvignon-led Bordeaux-variety blend
• Country: United States
• State: California
• Region: Napa Valley
• Estate Vineyard Location: Oakville AVA
• Cabernet Sauvignon: 79%
• Cabernet Franc: 7%
• Petit Verdot: 6%
• Merlot: 6%
• Malbec: 2%
• Skin Contact: 18 days
• Barrel Ageing: 17½ months
• Oak: New French oak
• Harvest Period: 21 September–20 October 2012
• Winemaker: Michael Silacci
• Bottle Size: 750ml

About Opus One

Opus One was founded by Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild and celebrated Napa Valley vintner Robert Mondavi. Their shared ambition was to combine the traditions and innovations of their respective winemaking families in the creation of one exceptional Napa Valley wine.

The Opus One estate comprises four vineyard parcels in the western portion of the Oakville AVA. Two parcels, covering a total of 100 acres, are located within the renowned To Kalon Vineyard. The Ballestra and River parcels add a further combined 70 acres surrounding the winery.

Opus One combines traditional vineyard practices, including hand harvesting, with carefully evaluated modern techniques. Every stage—from berry tasting and fruit selection to maturation in new French oak—is approached with meticulous attention to detail and an emphasis on balance, complexity, texture and longevity.