At a glance

Producer

Opus One Winery

Region

Oakville, Napa Valley, California, USA

Grape variety

Bordeaux Blend (Cabernet Sauvignon dominant, with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$497-$601 USD (750ml)

Tasting profile

Rich aromas of blackcurrant, black cherry, cassis, cedar, tobacco leaf, graphite. Silky palate with ripe blackberry, plum, subtle mocha, vanilla from French oak, hints of earthy truffle and forest floor. Polished, integrated tannins, vibrant acidity, long savory finish.

Evolution: With age, primary fruit has melded with herbal, savory, leather and dried floral notes. Oak well integrated, giving subtle spice and cocoa. Tertiary earth and pencil shavings emerging clearly.

At peak: Sweet-spot now through 2030: maximum harmony of fruit, structure, tertiary nuance. After 2035: more tertiary, less primary fruit.

Structure

Acidity

Medium+; maintains freshness and lift

Tannins

Firm, fine-grained; softened but present and supportive

Alcohol

14.5% ABV (typical for Opus One vintages)

Aging potential

Exceptional—15-30 years from vintage in top storage, peaking ~2020-2030, slowly declining from 2035 but will persist

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2020 to 2035

Optimal window

2015 to 2040

Current status

At peak maturity; will continue to drink beautifully for many years

Current condition

Fully mature with tertiary development. Complex and evolving with excellent structure for continued aging.

Opus One from 2007 is a classic, age-worthy Napa Valley Bordeaux blend from a strong vintage. Its high-quality fruit, fine tannin, and balanced acidity underpin a long drinking window. As with First Growth Bordeaux, 2007 Opus One can mature gracefully for 25-30 years, with true peak complexity and integration expected after ~12-20 years in bottle.

Food pairing

Prime ribeye, dry-aged steak, rack of lamb with rosemary, grilled venison, aged hard cheeses (Comté, aged Gouda), porcini mushroom risotto.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — Opus One 2007 benefits from aeration to open up tertiary bouquet and dissolve any sediment. Decant to fully express aromatics and polish tannins.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Drip irrigation, cover cropping, solar energy panels, integrated pest management, water recycling; some climate mitigation strategies implemented, but not a low-impact operation by global standards.

Opus One implements many sustainable vineyard practices and is CSWA certified, but is not organic or biodynamic. They use modern energy and water-saving technologies and emphasize some ecosystem stewardship. The estate’s large scale, heavy glass bottles, and long-distance transport for many markets increase carbon footprint compared to boutique, local, or certified organic producers. Overall, a commitment to sustainability is present but room for improvement exists in terms of certifications and packaging.