Somehow we have ended up with a small stock of Opus One* - arguably the most sought after wine produced outside of France. Founded as a collaboration between Robert Mondavi (doyen of Napa Valley) and Baron Philippe de Rothschild (of Mouton-Rothschild), the wine and winery has the bluest of wine blood in its veins. Currently, despite Mondavi brands having been acquired by Constellation Brands in 2004, Mouton-Rothschild's team are responsible for everything in the vineyard and winery.

The 2010 vintage is a truly stand-out year for a wine which is consistently outstanding. A slightly cooler vintage for Napa helped to produce an incredibly fine wine, with excellent tannic structure and balanced acidity for long-term development. Savoury graphite and truffle notes emphasise the class of this wine, encasing a delightfully ripe core of dark cherries, bramble fruit and cassis. A distinct minerality lifts the top notes of this intense and full-bodied wine, whilst notes of dark chocolate and hints of subtle orange confit round out the profile. There are barely enough superlatives for this wine. (Drink 2020-2035+)

"One of the highlights among the more recent releases, the 2010 Opus One is flat-out gorgeous. Dark cherries, plums, graphite, cassis and pencil shavings are all woven together in a fabric of notable class and elegance. The 2010 stands out for its exceptional minerality, tension and pure power. Readers will have to be patient. This is a picture perfect rendering of this great Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon vintage." - 97pts Antonio Galloni

96pts Robert Parker, 95pts The Wine Cellar Insider

From the producer:

"Aromas of blackberry, rose petals, chocolate and espresso accentuate fruity and earthy nuances. Round velvety tannins enrobe a silky texture with a touch of minerality. The flavors of dark fruit are enhanced by the well-integrated acidity. The acidity and tannin structure promise a very long life ahead." - Opus One 2010

*It's not actually too much of a mystery, we sourced the wine for one of our private customers, who no longer had need for it once we'd taken delivery.