Opus One 2023

Opus One's 2023 bottling is a red wine from the United States. Opus One is widely associated with Bordeaux-style red blends built on Cabernet Sauvignon, so expect that framework here. The listing doesn't give a grape breakdown, alcohol level or tasting notes, so what follows describes what wines in this style usually do and is not a measured profile of this bottle. Expect dark fruit such as blackcurrant, blackberry and plum, with cedar, graphite, tobacco or baking spice from oak aging. Wines of this type are typically full-bodied, with firm, structured tannins, enough acidity to keep the fruit from feeling heavy, and a long finish. The 2023 vintage is young, and structured reds from a producer like this generally reward patience. If you open it now, give it time to breathe. Decant for one to two hours, or pour it into a wide-bowled glass and let it open over the course of a meal. That softens the tannins and lets the oak and fruit integrate. If you want to cellar it, store it on its side at a steady 55 to 59°F (13 to 15°C), away from light and vibration. Wines in this style often develop more complex, savory notes over several years of bottle aging. Treat that as the usual pattern for the category, not a promise about this bottle. Serve it slightly below room temperature, around 60 to 64°F (16 to 18°C). Warmer than that, the alcohol tends to stand out and the structure goes loose. A large Bordeaux-style glass with a generous bowl and a slightly tapered rim concentrates the aromas and gives a young, tannic red room to open. For food, tannin and weight call for richness. Ribeye, New York strip, lamb chops or braised short rib all suit it, because the fat and protein soften the tannins. Roasted mushrooms, aged cheddar, Gruyère or a hard sheep's-milk cheese also pair well. Lighter dishes such as delicate fish or salads with sharp vinaigrettes are likely to be overwhelmed by a wine this size.