Opus One (1996)

About this wine

The 1996 Opus One presents a deep ruby color and an inviting nose with hints of violets and mint. On the palate, it offers intense flavors of blackberry, chocolate, and roasted coffee, supported by a firm structure and an elegant middle body. The wine's cashmere-like softness and deep, plush flavors are complemented by a persistently long finish, indicating its potential for extended aging. This vintage is a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot, and 3% Malbec, showcasing the harmonious integration of these varietals. The 1996 growing season featured a cool spring followed by a warm summer, leading to a compact harvest that contributed to the wine's remarkable balance and depth.

About the grape

In the 1996 vintage of Opus One, the blend prominently featured Cabernet Sauvignon (86%), complemented by Cabernet Franc (8%), Merlot (3%), and Malbec (3%). Cabernet Sauvignon, known for its deep color and robust tannins, thrives in Napa Valley's climate, providing the wine's backbone. Cabernet Franc adds aromatic complexity and subtle spice, while Merlot contributes softness and roundness to the palate. Malbec, though used in smaller amounts, imparts deep color and rich fruit flavors, enhancing the wine's depth. This careful blending of Bordeaux varietals reflects Opus One's commitment to crafting a harmonious and age-worthy wine.

Quick facts

• 🍇 The 1996 Opus One is a Bordeaux-style blend composed of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot, and 3% Malbec.
• 🍷 This vintage underwent 37 days of skin contact during fermentation, enhancing its deep color and rich tannin structure.
• 🪵 Aged for 19 months in new French oak barrels, the 1996 Opus One developed complex flavors and a refined texture.
• ☀️ The 1996 vintage was marked by a warm summer with occasional heat waves, leading to rapid sugar development and faster-than-normal ripening of the fruit.
• 🍫 Critics have praised the 1996 Opus One for its intense flavors of blackberry, chocolate, and roasted coffee, supported by a firm structure and elegant middle body.

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.