Opus One 1983

Opus One 1983 is a mature-vintage Napa Bordeaux blend made by one of the true icons of Californian winemaking. Known as NapaMedoc for the first three vintages and rebranded in 1982 as Opus One, this iconic Californian winery was founded as a joint venture between Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild and Robert Mondavi. The objective was to recreate a First Growth level, Bordeaux style wine in the Napa Valley and by every measure, they succeeded. Historically the Grand Vin has been a blend of around 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot aged for 18 months in 100% new French oak before being laid down for a further 18 months to mature in bottle. The 1983 Opus One is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc and 7% Merlot. "The 1983 Opus One is absolutely impeccable. Dark red cherries, plums, liquorice, tobacco and leather meld together in a wine that is all about balance. Soft and engaging, the 1983 is a great choice for drinking now and over the next decade. The 1983 isn`t as huge or structured as some of the other vintages in this vertical, but it is drop-dead gorgeous. Both 1982 and 1983 show the characteristics of wet vintages with large crops that resulted in somewhat compact wines." Vinous, 2013