Nose
the 2003 Opus One offers aromas of blackberry, plum, hazelnut, graphite, olive oil, cocoa and dried cherries.
Palate
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.
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 long growing season of the 2003 vintage started under unusually warm conditions with a budbreak on March 29th. Late spring rains prompted a burst of growth in the vines and led to increased focus on controlling and shaping the leaf canopy. Moderate temperatures in July and August gave way to hot weather and low humidity in mid-September, which gave timely stress to Opus One’s resilient, deep-rooted vines.
Harvest
Harvest began on September 17th with Malbec and concluded on November 2nd, the day before the start of heavy autumn rains.
Appearance
SEE LESS
A moderately deep garnet,
