![]() ![]() And now, Opus is opening with world-class hospitality to match the wine, with a stylish new complex of living-room-like spaces to host visitors. The wine, though, absolutely fulfilled the vision of partners Robert Mondavi and the Baron Philippe de Rothschild of proving to the world Napa Valley’s capacity for producing a “California First Growth” equal to Bordeaux. Not long after its founding in 1978, the grass-covered rise of Opus One took shape opposite Robert Mondavi Winery, equal parts Greek or Roman temple and alien space ship. In the basement, the original owners’ cellar retains its Prohibition-era feel, with a rack of Faust bottles against old stone walls. A striking mural on the stairway, by Italian artist Roberto Ruspoli plays with the themes as well, depicting the tension in black on white at the bottom, switching out to white on black at the top, as you emerge on the upper floor into light-filled, white-painted spaces. The themes of darkness and light are reflected on two floors of the historic house (with authentic detail, from windows to wood, restored): Downstairs, the walls are covered in dark, saturated colors, with ancient-looking photos of some very modern winery team members displayed. Now, the Faust Haus is one of the valley’s best new visits, inside and out. ![]() While it was possible to taste on the terraces outside the new, dark and brooding Faustian exterior, few could see the high-design interpretation of the legendary bargain with the devil on the inside. Helena ran smack into the pandemic lockdown. The long-awaited reveal of the transformed Victorian perched west of Highway 29 just north of St. And there’s no better place to reserve a picnic table in the garden or by the vineyard, order lunch provided by nearby Carneros Resort (or bring your own-even your dog if you like), and get set up with some side-by-side bottles of the fascinating single-clone Pinots Kajani and Goodmanson make, from the fresh and delicate Swan clone to the darker, more tannic Pommard. (The nexus of wine and music is close to the heart for Tatiana Copeland, whose great uncle was composer Sergei Rachmaninoff.) But now the artistic melding of beautiful rescued redwood and clever metalwork is drawing guests in real time for hosted tastings. And with a striking new arc of a visitor center owning a hill with views across surrounding vineyards to the bay in the distance, Bouchaine has become a must-stop in the region, which itself is now home to more exciting wines and wineries than ever.ĭuring the lockdown, the Bouchaine team made great use of video equipment for virtual experiences, even launching a seasonal series of virtual wine tastings and concerts in partnership with the Philadelphia Orchestra. When they brought on general manager and winemaker Chris Kajani and then associate winemaker Erik Goodmanson in 2015, they were putting a stake in the ground for fine-tuning vineyard developments, sustainability, and cellar work to produce even more elegant (read fresh and vibrant) Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays from the estate. The 2019 Opus One is comprised of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, and 2% Malbec.When Tatiana and Gerret Copeland founded Bouchaine in 1981, they were making an early commitment to Carneros, the cool-climate region spanning both Napa and Sonoma Counties just above San Pablo Bay. A delicate dark chocolate bitterness lingers on the finish. The freshness and soft glow of acidity create a subtle tension with dark fruit flavors, savory herbs, espresso, and cocoa. The creamy, satiny texture is framed by fine-grained tannins. The Opus One Napa Valley Red Wine has intense aromas of black plum, blueberry, black currant, and dried rose petals, accentuated by mineral undertones. A blend of 78% cabernet sauvignon, 8% merlot, 7% petit verdot, 6% cabernet franc and 1% malbec. Fantastic length and structure to the wine, with tightness and focus. The purity of fruit is really something else here, with currants and fresh flowers, such as violets and roses. Tasted as a barrel sample, this is a truly magnificent Opus One in the making! Full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with juicy black, blue and red fruits, framed by velvety tannins and background freshness, finishing on a compelling earthy/mineral note. This year, with the 2019s, he was still tweaking the blend, but he did mention that this is "pretty close to the final blend." Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 Opus One leaps from the glass with notes of Black Forest cake, Morello cherries, mulberries and fresh blackcurrants plus hints of licorice, wilted roses, Sichuan pepper and iron ore. Winemaker Michael Silacci commented that usually the blends are finished in January or February after the vintage. No discounts or coupons can be applied to this item
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