When it comes to the 2017 Opus One, you'll want to exercise a bit of patience before indulging in this highly sought-after wine. While it may be tempting to pop the cork and savor its flavors immediately, I would recommend waiting a few more years for it to reach its full potential.
The 2017 vintage of Opus One is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, and 1% Malbec. This carefully crafted blend creates a complex and structured wine that will benefit from some additional aging.
During its production, the wine was aged for 17 months in 100% new French oak barrels. This extended aging period allowed the flavors and aromas to integrate and develop, resulting in a wine that is rich and full-bodied.
Right now, the wine may still be in its youth, with bold tannins and vibrant acidity. It may appear tight and closed off, not fully revealing its true potential. However, with time, these elements will soften and harmonize, allowing the wine's complexity and depth to shine through.
I would suggest waiting until at least 2022 before opening a bottle of the 2017 Opus One. This will give it time to evolve and mellow, allowing the flavors to integrate and the tannins to become more approachable. By this time, you can expect the wine to have developed more complexity and depth, showcasing its full range of flavors.
If you have the patience, waiting even longer will likely be rewarded. The 2017 Opus One has the potential to age gracefully for many years to come, and it may continue to improve and evolve over the next decade or more. As the wine matures, it will develop more tertiary aromas and flavors, such as dried fruits, leather, and tobacco, adding another layer of complexity.
Ultimately, the decision of when to drink the 2017 Opus One comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy wines with more structure and youthful characteristics, you may choose to open a bottle earlier. However, for those seeking a more mature and refined experience, I would recommend holding onto the wine for a few more years.
The 2017 Opus One is a wine that demands a bit of patience. While it may be tempting to enjoy it now, waiting until at least 2022 will allow the wine to reach its full potential. However, if you have the patience and cellar space, allowing it to age for even longer will likely result in a truly exceptional drinking experience.