Opus One 2012 released

One of California’s leading labels released its 2012 vintage this week – the highest rated since 2003 and also the cheapest of recent vintages.

Offered at £1,800 per case of 12 – though more likely to be offered in a six-pack – it is the cheapest Opus One on the market bar the 2011, which is (very) marginally cheaper.

It is also by far the best scored vintage of the last decade with a 97-point rating from James Suckling – the next best being the 2010 on 96-points.

Suckling called it, “tight” with “compacted tannins” and “beautiful fruit”. “Goes on for minutes. One of the best Opus’ in years,” he concluded.

Antonio Galloni gave it 96-points, calling it “rich, powerful and seductive”, while Corney & Barrow’s offer describes it as a “genuinely classic Napa blend” with a nose of “cassis, violet and cedar”.

A blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, 6% Merlot and 2% Malbec, the must from each plot spent an average of 18 days on its skins before a further 18 months in French oak.

As is clear from the graph above, Opus One has performed well in the secondary market of late – though as Liv-ex noted the 2011 is yet to gain any real momentum – will the 2012 do likewise?