Q&A: Wine & Food Questions
Opus One 2002/2003
I have several bottles of Opus One 2003 and 2002. When is the best time to open these? Someone recommended that they stay corked for 5-10 years....is this true?
Answer From Expert Becky Sue Epstein
Yes, Opus One is a wine made to age well, made to last. Make sure you are storing your bottles well, ideally on their sides in a cool (under 60 degrees) humid, dark environment.
You might find the 2003 ready to drink any time from now on, as it was a less concentrated vintage than the 2002.
About The Expert
Becky Sue Epstein is an experienced lifestyle writer and editor, concentrating on wine and spirits. For the past twenty years she has provided food, wine and spirits coverage for local, regional, and national publications including Art & Antiques, Food &
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Answer From Expert Roger C. Bohmrich, MW
I would say that Opus One, as a rule, can develop over 10 to 15 years in bottle, and longer in certain years. Some critics have been disappointed in both the 2002 and 2003, and your estimate of 5 to 10 years from now may be about right to allow the wines to reach their best drinking period.
About The Expert
Roger has enjoyed a lengthy career in the wine trade as an importer and retailer, and at present he is an educator, speaker and consultant. He set up and managed Millesima USA, a New York merchant affiliated with Europe's leader in direct sales of fine wines to consumers. Previously, he served as senior executive of Frederick Wildman & Sons, traveling regularly around the world to visit wineries and taste the new vintage from barrel. Roger became one of America's first Masters of Wine in 1993.
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