Opus One Napa 2011

Powerful, fragrant, black tea, crayon, soy, this was a cooler year of Napa where rain fell off and on through the season, and I am totally unapologetically a fan of what they achieved here at Opus. Yes there is a touch more earthiness on the aromatics than in other vintages, and perhaps it is more European in style, but it is totally charming, totally in the sweet spot to drink right now, delicate and yet with depth, filled with raspberry, blueberry and loganberry fruits, set against sage, orange peel and tobacco leaf. Harvest September 24 to October 24, with 40% of the fruit brought it before the heavy storms in early October, and a pause of a week before restarting. Michael Silacci director. 17 days skin contact.