Opolo Vineyards Earns Top Honors at International Wine Competition
Opolo Vineyards is celebrating after the winery’s 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon earned top honors in its class at the 7th Annual Sunset Magazine International Wine Competition held in Sonoma County in June.
More than 35 judges composed of a prestigious mix of winemakers, journalists and wine trade professionals awarded the Opolo 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon with 98 points and a Double Gold medal for the “Best of Class” distinction in the category of “Cabernet Sauvignon $20 to $40.” Judges described the wine as having “deep, complex and integrated tannins.”
Opolo is known as a producer of Paso Robles Zinfandels, including the flagship “Mountain Zinfandel.” The winery has also made a commitment to Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties in recent years.
“Cabernet Sauvignon has long been a part of our portfolio, and it is now coming on strong for us as recognition for Paso Cabs continues to grow,” said Co-Owner David Nichols.
Added co-owner Rick Quinn, “We have some new vineyards coming on line that will continue to take our Cabernet program to the next level.”
The Winning Wine
Opolo’s 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of fruit from select vineyards located in three distinct AVAs of Paso Robles, enabling winemakers James Schreiner and Chris Rougeot to create a wine of natural depth and complexity.
The blend includes fruit from Opolo’s Quinn West estate vineyard in the Willow Creek District, a coveted calcareous-rich terroir in the westside coastal mountains. A selection also comes from a site in the El Pomar District, which benefits from cooling marine breezes that flow inland through the Templeton Gap.
Finally, a small contribution of fruit from Opolo’s estate vineyard in the warmer Estrella District layers in a touch of ripe, fruity dimension.
Opolo Vineyards is a family-owned winery established in 1999 by Quinn and his partner Dave Nichols.
Opolo’s wines come from the winery’s nearly 400 acres of vines on both the west and east sides of the Paso Robles AVA. These sites occupy a range of growing conditions, enabling Opolo to produce a wide variety of wines with dimension and complexity.
The winery estate in the westside Willow Creek District includes a tasting room; the Inn at Opolo; and Willow Creek Distillery. In addition to tastings, guests can enjoy estate tours and curated food pairings.
“We invite everyone to join us for an afternoon to experience the 2019 Cabernet and other wines paired with our many food offerings,” Quinn said.
Opolo Vineyards is a family-owned winery based in the coastal mountains of the Willow Creek District. Renowned for its Mountain Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and other Paso Robles wines, Opolo was founded in 1999 by Rick Quinn and David Nichols. Opolo’s wines fall under three collections: Mountain Collection, Reserve Collection and Summit Creek. Opolo’s famed visitor experience includes a tasting room and bistro; the Inn at Opolo; and the Willow Creek Distillery. More at Opolo.com.
