Opus One was founded by Baron Philippe de Rothschild, legendary proprietor of Château Mouton Rothschild, and renowned Napa Valley vintner Robert Mondavi. By combining the great winemaking traditions and innovations of both families, the founders’ singular goal was to create an exceptional wine in the heart of Napa Valley. Opus One, like any great work, arose out of passion. Dedicated to uncompromised quality, Opus One’s sole purpose is to express this vision and passionate spirit for generations to come. VINTAGE 2oo3 The harvest of 2003 began on September 17th and concluded on November 2nd, the day before the start of heavy autumn rains. A moderately deep garnet, the 2003 Opus One offers aromas of blackberry, plum, hazelnut, graphite, olive oil, cocoa and dried cherries. The wine presents a soft entry with rich, flannel-like tannins supporting a sweetness and purity of balance. Showing the vibrant blackberry and black cherry fruit of Oakville, the wine also recalls the elegance of Bordeaux. Nuances of dark chocolate, black licorice and herbs linger on the finish. VARIETALS Cabernet Sauvignon 91%, Cabernet Franc 3%, Petit Verdot 3%, Merlot 2% and Malbec 1% SKIN CONTACT 32 days BARREL AGING 17 months in new French oak This blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Malbec aged 17 months in French oak is a strong effort offering creme de cassis, cedarwood, white chocolate and spice box. It possesses a Bordeaux-like personality, as one might expect since Opus One is owned by Baroness Philippe de Rothschild and the winemaking team comes primarily from Pauillac. The significant tannin in the wine provides a slight austerity, but this is a full-bodied, rich effort that marks the beginning of a period when Opus One finally began to live up to the enormous potential first announced in the late 1970s by the late Baron Philippe de Rothschild and the late Robert Mondavi. Although accessible now, the 2003 will benefit from another 4-5 years of cellaring and should keep for two decades. Tel. (707) 944-9442 Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 27 June 2013