Ever since I had my first sip of Opus One wine back in 2011 I have had a little bit of an obsession with this emperor of wines. A few months after my review where I did embarrassingly compare the Opus One 2007 to Brad Pitt, Opus One’s winemaker, Michael Silacci thanked me with an invite to a night to remember dinner at L’Espalier where I was joined by my friend, Rob aka BosGuy. The side-by-side tasting of the 2007 and 2008 I shared with Michael at one of Boston’s finest restaurants are the kind of memories I keep with me and think about when I’m having a rough day. It was a special evening for me and one which solidified my love for this wine. Trust me, you’d have fallen (and hard) too.
Opus One tasting – 2013
In 2013 I visited Opus One Winery in Napa for the first time. We got to experience the passions of their staff around what they do and how much they love to be part of something so special. This visit ended with me buying my first ever bottle of Opus One (2010), which still sits in my wine fridge today waiting for that truly special day where I open it. You never know it might just be a Wednesday, but whenever it will be you can be sure I am going to write about it.
Among the barrels with Michael
Fast forward to last month when I went back to Opus One Winery with my friend, Erika for her birthday (this was my second visit having gone once before in 2013) and imagine my surprise to see that Michael was going to be our tour guide! Michael escorted us to the Salon where we met now famed Chef Matt Peters, of PerSe and French Laundry and winner of the prestigious Bocuse D’Or award. This award is the equivalent of the Olympics for cuisine. It’s a huge deal! Both Matt and his wife, Lauren were delightful companions for the next five hours!
Opus One 2007, 2011, 2013
I knew this was going to be a day to remember because we started by opening a 2006 Krug. While sipping this amazing Champagne, we talked about life, awards, wine making and my little ole blog – it was all quite surreal I have to assure you. Michael then escorted us through the halls and cellars of their amazing winery. Even though I have done this tour before, there is something singularly perfect about doing the tour with Michael, especially with an Opus One baseball hat on!
Opus One Vertical Tasting
After spending time among the French oak barrels lovingly creating the new vintages, we went to a tasting room to do a vertical wine tasting of the 2007, 2011 and 2013. By this point in the tour I’m fairly certain had anyone looked my arm would have appeared bright red from all the times I pinched myself. Needless to say, five (yes five) hours later, which required us moving our dinner reservations, my friend Erika and I found ourselves sitting at Bistro Jeanty in a state of serene shock, reliving each moment and filing it away as a cherished memory. Not only did the tour exceed expectations but it has solidified one very important fact; I give great birthday gifts :).
We had the absolute best afternoon!
I want to thank Michael and Opus One Winery for making Erika and I feel incredibly special to share that evening.
Salut!
