ROBERT MONDAVI Opus One - North Coast, Napa Valley 2016 Bottle

Description

Opus One 2016 is a towering achievement from the heart of Oakville, Napa Valley. Born from the historic partnership between Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild, this vintage is a seamless blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec.

The wine is remarkably elegant and poised, offering a bouquet of dark plum, blueberry, and subtle hints of dried herbs. On the palate, it is incredibly polished with a silky texture and fine grained tannins that give it a beautiful structure. There is a freshness and a lift to the fruit that makes it feel energetic and bright, leading into a long, lingering finish. It is a sophisticated Napa classic that perfectly balances power with finesse.

JAMES SUCKLING 99
Fantastic aromas that are complex and complete with blackcurrants, blueberries and herbs, such as basil and bay leaf. But always subtle. Full-bodied yet linear and very refined with a very persistent finish. It shows drive and brightness. So refined at the end. Needs at least three to five years to come together.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 98
Reviewed by: Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Drink Date: 2021 - 2055
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Opus One bursts from the glass with ripe blueberries, black cherry jam and crème de cassis with hints of violets, dark chocolate, cedar chest and cardamom, plus a touch of charcoal. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated, the palate delivers layer upon layer of opulent stewed black fruit with amazing tension and firm, ripe, fine-grained tannins, finishing long with a whole array of exotic spices coming through.

DECANTER 98
Tasted by: Jane Anson (at Unger Weine, Bavaria, 14 Sep 2019)
Drinking Window: 2027 - 2044
Love the juiciness of this, right off the bat, rich deep black cherry rippling with menthol and eucalyptus notes, and these beautiful floral aromatics that Opus gets in the best years. A very classic style, touches of baked vanilla, rosemary and olive. Harvest 9th September to 12th October (starting off slowly then speeding up as the heat rose). 1% Malbec, 8% Petit Verdot completes the blend, 17 days skin contact.

VINOUS 96+
Drinking window: 2024 - 2041
The 2016 Opus One is a wine of real breadth and power. Black cherry, plum, leather and spice flesh out effortlessly, but what stands out most is the wine's textural intensity and sheer power. Readers will have to wait a number of years until the 2016 is at its best, but it is clearly another in a line of gorgeous recent Opus Ones from Michael Silacci and his team.
Antonio Galloni. Tasting date: September 2019