Opus One 2002
The 2002 Opus One is deep garnet. Showing nuances of dried strawberry, vanilla bean, and mocha in the nose, the wine offers lavish flavors of cassis, black cherry, plum, and espresso. A marriage of richness and restraint, the wine combines a lean, vibrant entry with profound mid-palate density. Silky tannins and a seamless balance enhance a long, unwavering finish accented by bittersweet chocolate and a hint of smoke.
The 2002 vintage in Oakville saw only one significant rainfall in January, with most rains falling in December of the prior year. Light precipitation and moderate temperatures in the spring boosted soil moisture and prompted a good fruit set with high berry counts in individual clusters. Opus One thinned these clusters to the lowest per-acre yield in a decade, balancing the fruit with its canopy of leaves while encouraging high quality and concentration in the berries. Harvest began on September 9th with Malbec and concluded with a small lot of Cabernet Franc crushed on October 11th.
Blend: 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot.
Robert Parker 94 points
I tend to think that recent vintages of Opus One are even greater than vintages made during this era, but the 2002 is certainly one of the top wines Opus has produced during the early part of this century. It boasts a dense plum/purple hue along with a striking bouquet of graphite, toasty oak, creme de cassis and acacia flowers. Full-bodied, opulent and young, it offers accessibility as well as silky tannins. A thoroughly complete wine that is pure and rich, it tastes like a hypothetical blend of a great Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon married to a Bordeaux Pauillac. Bravo! It will benefit from 2-3 more years of cellaring and should keep for 20-25 thereafter.
