Black currants, sweet oaky spices, cigar, coconut cream. Ripe, dark fruits, oaky spice (nutmeg, cinnamon), mild acidity, firm but smooth tannins. Some lingering grape candy.
A nice, affordable steak wine. — a month ago
Lighter nose than AV. Smoother than AV with more balanced tannins. Really nice wine but will take the AV version for the price. — 2 months ago
Soft, floral aroma with hint of peach and pineapple Refreshing! Would make good peach sangria — 3 months ago
bone-dry finish mellowed by the ripe-apricot character, plus hints of toast and melted butter. — 4 months ago
So consistent — a month ago
Showing well at 50 yrs, still fresh with good acidity. Classic LB with red & black fruit, currant, cedar, leather, graphite, spice & tobacco leaf — a month ago
Opus One 2011
Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸
Overview
A Bordeaux-style blend from one of Napa’s most iconic estates, co-founded by Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild. The 2011 vintage was a challenging, cool year in Napa, producing wines of lower alcohol, more restraint, and higher acidity compared to the opulent, sun-soaked vintages before and after. Blend typically centers on Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec.
Aromas & Flavors
Opens with blackcurrant, cassis, and dried cherry layered with graphite, violets, tobacco leaf, and hints of cedar and espresso. As it evolves in the glass, notes of leather, savory herbs, and cocoa powder emerge.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied compared to more powerful Opus vintages, with fresh acidity and fine-grained tannins. Elegant and balanced, showing more finesse and structure than richness. The finish lingers with red and black fruits, spice, and a touch of earth.
Winemaking Notes
Aged in French oak for 18 months. The cooler season resulted in smaller yields, but a style closer to classic Bordeaux restraint rather than plush Napa ripeness.
Food Pairing
Beautiful with herb-crusted lamb, grilled duck breast, wild mushroom risotto, or aged cheeses like Comté.
Verdict
A vintage that divided critics due to its lighter profile, but for those who enjoy elegance and classical structure, the 2011 Opus One is a refreshing outlier. Drink now, though it still has a few years of graceful life ahead. Cheers!
— a month ago
Mark Rosse
This is what I remember about great California Cabs. In my cellar for 25+ years. Popped the cork and left air 2 hours before decanting for another hour. A hint of the coconut marker while first decanting but blew off quickly. Great color and condition. — 15 days ago