Palate
The 1994 has a rich, full body with supple, velvety tannins and an intense fruit aroma. It is a vibrant wine with great freshness and a particularly elegant structure.
Growing Conditions
The estate vineyards of Opus One, comprised of 4 parcels, sit in the western portion of the famed Oakville AVA. Two parcels, totaling 100 acres, are within the renowned To Kalon Vineyard. These are complemented by the combined 70 acres of the Ballestra and River parcels, which envelop the winery. In the vineyards, hand-harvesting and other traditional approaches are taken wherever they work best. When modern techniques benefit the winegrowing process, they are researched, evaluated and integrated into practice.
The longest, coolest growing season recorded in a decade, 1994 started with a sunny and dry March and an early bud break. Summer was cooler than average, extending the growing season and the “hang time” of the grapes, allowing leisurely vine maturation and a superior natural blending of acid, sugar and tannins.
Winemaking
Skin Contact: 43 days
Aging
Barrel Aging: 18 months in new French oak
