At a glance

Producer

Opus One Winery

Region

Napa Valley, California, USA

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant Bordeaux Blend (typically: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$375-$450 USD per 750ml bottle (retail release), higher at auction

Tasting profile

Opaque ruby-purple; aromas of blackcurrant, violets, cassis, graphite, black cherry, subtle new oak, spice. Palate shows ripe black fruits, integrated fine-grained tannin, energy and drive.

Evolution: Fruit will transition from primary blackcurrant/berry to savory, earthy, tobacco and cedar with age. Tannins will soften, providing silkier texture; secondary and tertiary notes (leather, cigar box, forest floor) will take center stage.

At peak: Classic maturity blends supple fruit, tobacco, pencil lead, minerals, and sweet oak. Dense yet supple; long finish with elegant structure.

Structure

Acidity

Medium to medium-plus (vibrant, balancing richness of fruit and oak)

Tannins

Firm, ripe, polished tannins; substantial, will soften and integrate with age

Alcohol

14-14.5% ABV (typical for Napa)

Aging potential

Excellent; built for 20-30+ years cellaring in top vintages

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2027 to 2039

Optimal window

2024 to 2039

Current status

Structured and energetic, youthful but approachable with decanting

Current condition

Entering early drinking window, structure and primary fruit still dominate but integration is beginning

Opus One is a Bordeaux-style blend from one of Napa's most pedigreed producers, designed for extended aging. 2019 is a highly regarded vintage, notable for structure and balance. Primary fruit now, but best balance of fruit/tertiary flavors emerges after 7-10 years. With proper storage, outstanding bottles will be thrilling through 2040 or longer.

Food pairing

Prime rib, dry-aged ribeye, roast lamb, venison, truffles, wild mushroom risotto, aged Comté, rosemary-infused beef dishes. Avoid heavy spice or sweet elements.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (2+ hours) — Opus One 2019 is youthful and powerful; decanting allows aeration to soften tannins and release complex aromatics.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Certified Napa Green (land & winery); extensive cover cropping for soil health; use of solar energy (onsite solar panels supply significant power); advanced water recycling (process water reused for irrigation); pest management via biological controls (owl/wildlife habitat, minimal chemical use); portions of vineyards farmed organically for over a decade (not fully certified organic or biodynamic); eco-friendly packaging (lightweight bottles, recycled materials).

Opus One is a leader in Napa Valley for sustainability but is not fully certified organic/biodynamic. Their Napa Green certifications indicate a strong commitment to sustainable viticulture, including water conservation, solar energy use, and soil restoration. The estate’s carbon footprint benefits from local sourcing and renewable energy at the winery; however, wine shipped internationally incurs a higher carbon footprint, typical for luxury Napa exports. Packaging is eco-friendly with continuing improvements. Overall, Opus One ranks above most luxury estates for environmental stewardship, though not at the forefront of organic/biodynamic practice.