At a glance

Producer

Opus One Winery

Region

Napa Valley, California, USA

Grape variety

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

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Bone Dry

Typical price

$400-$650 (USD, bottle, retail as of 2024)

Tasting profile

Blackcurrant, cassis, dark cherry, violets, graphite, cedar, tobacco leaf, plush yet vibrant with softening tannins and long, persistent finish.

Evolution: Develops greater complexity: forest floor, dried herbs, truffle, subtle leather; fruit integrates seamlessly with oak and mineral notes.

At peak: At peak, intensely harmonious bouquet of Cabernet classicism and Napa opulence, tertiary earth, resolved tannins, lingering vibrant fruit.

Structure

Acidity

Medium to medium-plus, contributing freshness

Tannins

Polished, fine-grained, integrated

Alcohol

14.5% (declared)

Aging potential

20-30 years from vintage under optimal conditions

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2024 to 2030

Optimal window

2020 to 2035

Current status

Entering peak maturity; mature but with extended life ahead

Current condition

Structure balanced, tertiary aromas emerging, tannins refined

Opus One 2010 is a structured, classically styled vintage famed for its balance and finesse. It enters peak maturity at 13-15 years, revealing both primary fruit and sophisticated tertiary notes. Its precise winemaking and robust structure allow graceful aging for at least 20-25 years from vintage.

Food pairing

Ribeye steak, rack of lamb, roast duck, wild mushrooms, aged cheeses (Comté, Manchego), truffled risotto.

Serving

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — The wine is 15 years old, which allows for some sediment to have formed, and decanting will help aerate the wine, enhancing its complex flavors and aromas.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Opus One employs integrated pest management, composting, solar power, cover cropping, advanced water management, recyclable packaging, and aims for carbon reduction in winemaking and vineyard management.

Opus One is a sustainability leader among luxury California wineries, certified by Napa Green and Fish Friendly Farming. While not organic or biodynamic, their practices exceed minimum local environmental standards. Solar panels offset much of winery electricity use, and water is managed efficiently with deficit irrigation and stewardship of local wetlands and habitats. Packaging is eco-conscious, though traditional heavy bottles are still standard. Their international profile does increase transportation emissions, placing their total carbon footprint around medium for the category. Recent vintages have seen increasing sustainability initiatives, but in 2010 the program was robust yet not as far-reaching as today.