Opus One Napa Valley USA 1988

Opus One Napa Valley 1988

Introduction: An icon is born

Opus One 1988 is more than just a wine; it is a piece of winemaking history. It comes from the fifth official bottling of a joint venture that astonished the wine world: the union of two wine legends, Baron Philippe de Rothschild from Château Mouton Rothschild in Bordeaux and Robert Mondavi from the Napa Valley. This wine embodies the ambitious attempt to combine the elegance and complexity of a Bordeaux with the lush fruit of California. The 1988 vintage is considered one of the first to demonstrate the true potential and longevity of this unique project.

Sensory description (status: maturity profile today)

A wine almost 35 years old must be treated with respect. A well-aged Opus One 1988 today shows a complex, tertiary flavour profile that testifies to its long maturity.

• Colour:Medium garnet red with a clearly developed brick-red rim - a classic sign of the maturity of a Cabernet-dominant wine.

• Nose: The original, youthful fruit has receded in favour of a fascinating complexity. The aromas are richly nuanced and multi-layered:

  • Tertiary aromas dominate: Cedar wood, tobacco leaves, leather and fine cigar box.

  • Fruity undertones: cooked black cherries, plum jam and a hint of dried figs.

  • Spicy components: An elegant blend of vanilla, clove and a slight earthy note (truffle/wet forest floor).

• Palate: The wine is surprisingly lively and structured on the palate. The tannins, once powerful and grippy, are now fully integrated, silky and supple. The acidity is well integrated and gives the wine a fresh, lively structure that carries the complex flavours of ripe fruit, leather, tobacco and cedar. The finish is long, elegant and leaves a lasting impression of maturity and harmony.

Vintage rating 1988 for Napa Valley

The 1988 vintage in Napa Valley is generally rated as good to very good, but not the absolute top vintage like 1985, 1987 or 1990. It was a rather cool and long vintage, which gave the wines a good acid structure and elegance rather than lush fruitiness. It is precisely these characteristics that benefit the 1988 Opus One today: The restrained fruit and fresh acidity are the cornerstones of its remarkable longevity.

Current drinking maturity & ageing

• Drinking maturity: The Opus One 1988 has reached its full maturity. It is on a plateau of drinking maturity where it can linger for several more years. It should no longer be stored with the intention of "letting it mature even longer", but rather to savour its current complexity.

• Storage recommendation:At this age, the origin (provenance) is decisive. Cool and dark storage throughout is essential. The bottles should be leftto openfor at least 24-48 hoursbefore consumption. Careful decanting (without aeration, only to separate any sediment) is recommended so as not to chase away the delicate flavours.

Food pairing

A wine of this maturity and elegance calls for equally refined dishes:

• Classic: Roast or braised lamb, veal medallions.

• Ideal: Game dishes such as saddle of venison or pheasant, whose earthy flavours harmonise perfectly with the wine.

• Matured cheese such as a mild mountain cheese or Comté can also be a wonderful accompaniment.

Conclusion

Opus One 1988 is a historically significant and sensorially convincing wine that gloriously confirms the vision of its founders. It proves that the cuvée from Napa Valley has the potential for exceptional longevity. Anyone opening a bottle today will not be rewarded with exuberant fruit, but with the deep complexity, silky texture and elegant flavour of a mature gentleman. It is a rare and rewarding experience to savour a sip of winemaking history come to life.

Note:Due to the age of the wine, the quality may vary from bottle to bottle. Proper storage is a prerequisite for the experience described here.