Winemaker notes - After an already wet winter and spring, unseasonably late rainfall occurred during flowering in June and disrupted fruit set. The variable rain and low temperatures reduced the number and size of berries on each cluster and increased concentration of the fruit. To reduce ground moisture, extra leaves and shoots were left in place on the vine. Lateral growth was removed to open up the middle canopy and increase air circulation. Given late-season heat spikes that occurred in the 2009 and 2010 vintages, the decision to pick was made during the fresh fruit stage of ripeness. This allowed 45% of the harvest to be completed before an early October storm pushed harvest back by a week. Ultimately the harvest was completed on October 25th, just over a month after it started. The 2011 Opus One expresses fresh aromas of bright red fruits, herbes de provence, bay leaf and cassis which give way to subtler notes of black tea and white pepper. The wine’s round tannins and creamy texture envelop the familiar flavors of fresh cherry, cranberry, and boysenberry with a touch of dark chocolate. This polished and age-worthy wine simultaneously offers a satiny finish and a slight grip of tannin at the close.