Opus One - Napa Valley 2011

Opus One - Napa Valley 2011

After and after wet and spring, unseasonably late rainfall occurred during flowering in June and disrupted fruit set. The variability of the temperature and the temperature of the fruit. To reduce ground moisture, extra leaves and shoots were left in place on the vine. Lateral growth was removed to open up the middle canopy and increase air circulation. Given late-season heat spikes that occurred in the 2009 and 2010 vintage, the decision to pick was made during the fresh fruit stage of ripeness. This is a great way to get the most out of your pets. Ultimately the harvest was completed on October 25th, just over a month after it started. The 2011 Opus One expresses fresh aromas of bright red fruit, herbs of provence, bay leaf and cassis which give way to subtler notes of black tea and white pepper. The wine's round tannins and creamy texture envelop the fresh flavors of cherry, cranberry, and boysenberry with a touch of dark chocolate. This polished and age-winey wine is simultaneously offered and satiny finish and a slight grip of tannin at the close. During fermentation and maceration, 17 days of skin contact prior to 18 months of barrel aging in new French oak. Bottled a year and a half prior to its release, the 2011 Opus One is comprised of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Malbec.