Opus One 2019

Napa Valley, USA

The flagship collaboration of Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild — first vintage 1979, released 1984. Opus One is a single estate Bordeaux blend (Cabernet Sauvignon dominant) from Oakville, Napa Valley. The 2019 vintage captures a warm-but-balanced Napa growing season: deep cassis, graphite, and cedar on the nose; full-bodied with refined tannins and the signature Opus integration of California fruit weight with Bordelais structure.

Pairing intelligence

• starter: Opus One's Napa Bordeaux prestige belongs with the wagyu tartare; both are expressions of luxury at the highest table
• main: The herbal character of the lamb's crust (rosemary, thyme) creates a botanical bridge to the cedar and graphite of Opus One. The lamb fat's richness is gripped by the structured tannins. The violets in the wine mirror the lavender-like quality of rosemary at the edge of perception.
• main: Cassis and graphite tannin integrate with Wagyu's extraordinary marbling; dark chocolate in wine bridges the umami depth of A5 fat; violets provide an aromatic lift.
• main: The deep cassis and graphite character of Opus One complements the mineral richness of prime rib. The fine-grained tannins grip the protein of the rare beef, bridging the wine's structure to the meat's texture. The natural jus's umami amplifies the wine's fruit depth.
• main: Opus One's Margaux-style elegance elevates prime Napa beef; the truffle bridges Bordeaux earthiness with California opulence
• main: The Cabernet Franc in Opus One bridges to herb-crusted lamb; a Napa Valley luxury dinner classic
• main: Opus One's Margaux collaboration belongs with the finest American lamb; Colorado rack with cherry bridges the Franc component
• cheese: Graphite tannin integrates with aged Cheddar's crystalline texture; cedar bridges the cheese's butterscotch caramel depth; cassis provides fruit contrast against savoury cheese.