Already slowed by El Niño’s winter flooding, the growing season of 1998 was the coolest Opus One has seen since 1991. With foggy mornings and moderate temperatures recorded during summer, the season extended into late October, promoting slow ripening and a very long “hang time” for Opus One’s grapes. Excellent weather in September and October made for an orderly harvest of Opus One’s five classic Bordeaux varietals.
Supple and lush, the 1998 Opus One shows an opaque purple color and intense aromas of blackberries, vanilla, roasted espresso and caramel. The wine offers a resilient middle body, with seamless texture, sweet tannins, and a long, persistent finish.
Varietals
Cabernet Sauvignon 91%, Cabernet Franc 7%, Merlot 1%, Petit Verdot and Malbec 1%
Skin Contact
36 days
Barrel Aging
16 months in new French oak
