2002 Opus One Napa Valley Proprietary Red

SKU #1018215 94 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

I tend to think that recent vintages of Opus One are even greater than vintages made during this era, but the 2002 is certainly one of the top wines Opus has produced during the early part of this century. It boasts a dense plum/purple hue along with a striking bouquet of graphite, toasty oak, creme de cassis and acacia flowers. Full-bodied, opulent and young, it offers accessibility as well as silky tannins. A thoroughly complete wine that is pure and rich, it tastes like a hypothetical blend of a great Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon married to a Bordeaux Pauillac. Bravo! It will benefit from 2-3 more years of cellaring and should keep for 20-25 thereafter. (6/ 2012)

K&L Notes

Opus One thinned the 2002 vintage to the lowest per-acre yield in a decade, encouraging quality and concentration of flavors. The 2002 Opus One shows aromas of dried strawberry, vanilla bean and mocha with flavors of cassis, black cherry, plum and espresso. Offering a lean, vibrant entry with profound mid-palate density, the wine finishes with bittersweet chocolate and a hint of smoke. A blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 3% Malbec, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. From Jancis Robinson: "Very dark purplish crimson. Full powerful strongly sweet Cab nose. Very luscious and round and approachable - quite different structure and texture from the earlier vintages though possibly less refreshing? Very opulent - like a luscious leather handbag. Very Louis Vuitton actually! Lovely texture. Voluptuous." (08/2007)