Nose
Aromas of rose petals, cassis and black cherry in the 2008 combine with notes of marzipan and sandalwood.
Palate
A satin texture enrobes the wine’s smooth, round tannins, its bright acidity supporting a juicy and elegant mouthfeel. This precocious and remarkable wine offers a long finish, with traces of clove and dark chocolate.
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.
Extreme weather conditions in 2008 —from an unseasonably cold April to an extended heat spell in September—led to Opus One’s smallest per-acre yield in thirty-two vintages.
Winemaking
Skin Contact: 22 days
Aging
Barrel Aging: 17 months in new French oak
