We’ve been protecting the wines of Paso Robles-based Opolo for years now, and immediately we have a look at 5 latest releases — all hearty, wintertime reds — from the operation. All hail from the 2021 classic.
2021 Opolo Grand Rouge Purple Mix Paso Robles – A mix of counoise, syrah, and grenache that punches effectively above its worth band, this wine presents a candy, fruit-forward assault that pops with strawberry, milk chocolate, and vanilla, providing a really prolonged journey into its berry-driven end. Notes of cherry cola give the end an much more expressive, youthful character, with creamy vanilla custard notes clinging to the again in. Vibrant and summery, however proper heading in the right direction. Nice worth. A- / $22
2021 Opolo Maestro Purple Mix Paso Robles – 60% syrah, 24% grenache, 16% counoise — by some means tastes like a dense pinot noir. Daring black cherry notes, then an enormous punch of licorice pushes issues ahead. Notes of darkish chocolate, black tea, and an fringe of rosemary present a extra brooding high quality to the wine because it approaches its prolonged, rumbling end. Mysterious but partaking. Value dipping in to. B+ / $36
2021 Opolo Rhapsody Purple Mix Paso Robles Willow Creek District – A Bordeaux-style mix of 75% cabernet sauvignon, 13% malbec, 6% merlot, 4% petit verdot, and a pair of% cabernet franc. Opulent and fruit-forward, the wine presents the wholly anticipated notes of plums, cassis, and bittersweet chocolate, its fruit slowly fading to disclose a evenly peppered, gently natural high quality. Lumbering and lingering, the wine’s end of rhubarb and a lightweight be aware of raisin give it a sweet-and-bitter dichotomy which, for essentially the most half, works fairly effectively. A bit of overblown when consumed solo, it’s undoubtedly a robust meals pairing candidate. A- / $50
2021 Opolo Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles – Opolo’s entry-level cabernet is nonetheless a totally fashioned wine, albeit an easy one, thick with cassis and layered with notes of combined inexperienced herbs. Ample darkish chocolate and a few anise give the wine an enticing spine, although nuance is tough to pick from the moderately tannic core. Extra darkish cassis and black cherry on the end. Extra intense than anticipated. B / $42
2021 Opolo Cabernet Sauvignon Willow Creek District – This smaller-parcel providing of Opolo’s Paso Robles cabernet instantly cuts an much more savory, pepper-driven character, the anise taking maintain in opposition to a backdrop of earthy, brooding mushroomy qualities. Overtones of inexperienced onion and tar make for some tough sledding, although the wine opens up — slowly — with vital time in glass to point out off some black cherry fruit and a layer of darkish chocolate. The heavy tannins and an awesome earthiness make this a wine you’ll must decide to for the night. Some cellar time wouldn’t damage. B- / $55
2021 Opolo Grand Rouge Purple Mix Paso Robles
$22
