Opus One 2013

The long awaited Opus One 2013 has released this morning through the Place de Bordeaux. The 2013 vintage in Napa by now needs no introduction and it comes as no surprise that 2013 Opus One has been awarded a spectacular 100 points from James Suckling, who calls it ‘The greatest Opus ever.’ This marks the first 100 point score ever for Opus from any major critic, an accolade which will cement the 2013 as a truly legendary Opus One, it is therefore, a must own wine!

Opus One displays a brilliant vintage premium, as presented by the table below. It provides consistent and attractive long term price appreciation. It also delivers healthy short-term returns. Opus One has maintained a very steady pricing strategy which rewards collectors, only releasing their price in line or below inflation. Today’s release continues this trend, representing a minuscule dollar increase and today’s release price in London of £1,100 is heavily influenced by the weakening of the pound to dollar by 13.83% since last year. Since their release, the last four vintages have returned an average of 47%, with the 2009 providing 73.53%. The 2009 trades today at £1,400 a case of six: we can expect this price increase and market price from the utterly spellbinding 2013. The price appreciation displayed below is extremely appealing and it will pay to secure Opus One 2013 today, at first tranche release price!

The strategy to release on the Place de Bordeaux has allowed Opus One to establish an enviable global market, it also minimises parallel importing and establishes a global price from which it can springboard. As one might expect it maintains pride of place in US restaurants and hotels; in Europe it sells out quickly on the Place de Bordeaux: the icing on the cake is that it is incredibly strong in Asia – Japan is its biggest market outside of the US. This 100 point wine will sell out globally, with parcels being traded heavily in second and third tranches. It is the most exciting and desirable Opus One ever to come onto the market.

Production is similar to Lafite and Mouton Rothschild at 25,000 cases per year, however, due to the immense popularity there is already an apparent shortfall in supply. The reason for this is that it is still priced very competitively against its Bordeaux equivalent First Growths, particularly given its incredible power, voluptuous mouthfeel and stunning purity. Opus One’s rise to global acclaim began with its first vintage in 1979, released in 1984 and at the time it was California’s most expensive wine at $50 per bottle. Its genesis is one of privilege, a joint venture between two wine giants and leaders in innovation, Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild.

The winery is located in Oakville, one of the most central wine regions in the Napa Valley. The valley straddles the Mayacamas and Vaca Mountain ranges, which create cool yet extremely sunny conditions, perfect for high quality grape growing. Opus One is grown on densely planted vineyards, bounded by a state of the art winery. The Estate’s buildings are defined by colonnades on either side, designed to blend in with the surrounding rolling hills and stylistically synthesise old and new world aesthetics, in the same way the wine combines the best features of Napa and Bordeaux. The limestone winery and the world beating wine have become a symbol and the apogee of great American winemaking.

Opus One 2013, 6x75cl, £1,075 IB – 100 points, James Suckling

The greatest Opus ever. Terrific aromas of crushed black currants, blueberries and flowers with hints of sweet tobacco. Roses continue to exude opulence and class. Full body, superb balance of ultra-fine tannins and vibrant acidity. Complex aftertaste of black fruits and citrus fruit. Extremely persistent. So approachable now and enjoyable. But will be even better in 2019 and beyond. 79% cabernet sauvignon, 7% cabernet franc, 6% merlot, 6% petit verdot, 2% malbec. This will always be beautiful to drink.

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