Nose
Selective harvesting (the majority at night) produced a vintage recalling the generous 2001, with aromas of cassis, nutmeg, raspberries, cola, fresh oats, dark chocolate and forest floor.
Palate
Polished, supple and harmoniously precise, the 2007 fuses a seamless mid-palate with soft yet sinewy tannins. The wine will age effortlessly for decades.
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.
Picture perfect until late August, the 2007 vintage posed an unusual challenge, with a heat spell in September followed by rains and the threat of frost.
Winemaking
Skin Contact: 20 days
Aging
Barrel Aging: 19 months in new French oak