Opus One (1982)
SommeliAI Insights
A full-bodied Napa Valley red blend with complex flavors and notable aging potential.
About this wine
The 1982 Opus One presents a deep garnet color with a near opaque core, showing signs of sediment. On the nose, it offers a mix of tart, ripe, and dried black fruits like cassis and blackberries, along with tobacco, dried flowers, grilled Poblano, leather, dry gravelly earth, and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium-plus tannins and medium-plus acidity, confirming the nose's notes. The finish is medium-plus. This vintage, one of the earliest from Opus One, is showing well and can be enjoyed now through 2042.
About the grape
In the 1982 vintage of Opus One, the blend was composed of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Merlot. Cabernet Sauvignon, known for its deep color and robust tannins, forms the backbone of the wine, providing structure and aging potential. Cabernet Franc adds aromatic complexity and subtle spice notes, while Merlot contributes softness and a plush mouthfeel. This combination reflects the winery's commitment to crafting a Bordeaux-style blend that showcases the unique terroir of Napa Valley.
Quick facts
- 🤝 The 1982 Opus One was crafted under the joint direction of Tim Mondavi and Patrick Léon, marking Léon's first experience with Opus One.
- 🌦️ The 1982 vintage experienced a wet winter and warm spring, leading to a record crop with perfect bloom and berry set.
- 🍇 The blend for the 1982 Opus One consists of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Merlot.
- 🛢️ The wine underwent 9 days of skin contact during fermentation, contributing to its depth and complexity.
- 🪵 The 1982 Opus One was aged for 23 months in new French oak barrels, enhancing its structure and aging potential.
Palate profile
Producer
Opus One Winery was established in 1978 as a joint venture between Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild and Napa Valley vintner Robert Mondavi, aiming to create a Bordeaux-style blend from Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery's first vintage was produced in 1979 and released in 1984, marking a significant collaboration between Old World and New World winemaking traditions. The distinctive winery building, completed in 1991, features a unique design that blends classical European architecture with modern elements, symbolizing the fusion of the two founders' philosophies. Opus One has since become one of the most celebrated and sought-after wines from Napa Valley, maintaining a reputation for excellence and innovation.
