This Cabernet Sauvignon from the Napa Valley region was harvested between September 19 and October 25, 2018. Opus One was vinified during a season free of drought, heat waves, and low yields, a season that was cooler than 2011, and this is clearly reflected in the wine's freshness.
After 18 days of skin contact, the wine was aged entirely in new oak barrels. This combination, achieved under the guidance of Director Michael Silacci, lends the wine a solid structure without masking the fruit aromas.
While it can be enjoyed immediately, decanting for about 1-2 hours is recommended; given the nature of its tannins, it is best to allow it to age over time. It will be at its peak until 2058.
Robert Parker (98)
Very deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Opus One soars out of the glass with bright, bold boysenberries, warm cassis and ripe, juicy black plums notes, plus emerging nuances of lilacs, oolong tea, cinnamon stick, tilled soil and black truffles. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with tightly wound layers of crunchy black fruits, supported by firm, grainy tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing with lifted fruitiness and on a lingering mineral note.
James Suckling (98)
Extremely perfumed and floral with lavender, lilacs and violets to the sweet, ripe berries, such as blackberries and blackcurrants. Some slate and graphite, too. It’s full-bodied, yet ever so balanced and refined, with super fine tannins that last for minutes. Fresh herbs, such as bay leaf and lemon grass highlight the dark fruit. The quality of tannin is exquisite with wonderful polish and refinement. Lasts for minutes.
Jancis Robinson (18)
A little sweeter than the Monte Bello 2011 tasted alongside initially but it finishes dry and appetising – and definitely has a bordeaux-like structure. Impressively long. (JR)
Vinous (96)
The 2018 Opus One is absolutely exquisite. Bright red berry fruit, crushed flowers, mint and spice are all finely cut. The 2018 impresses with its energy and focus. It's a gorgeous wine, and is also showing especially well today, with all of the potential I first saw in barrel very much on display. Bright acids linger on the persistent finish. The 2018 is supremely elegant.
BOW (9)
Falstaff (99)
Deep dark ruby, purple reflections, delicate edge brightening. Ripe black berry fruit, crème de cassis, nougat, sweet spices and some vanilla, very inviting bouquet. Powerful, black fruit notes of blackberry, cassis and sweet plum, firm but ripe tannins, finesse-rich acidity, shows very good length, chocolaty touch in the aftertaste, will continue to grow with maturity.
Owen Bargreen (98)
the 2018 Opus One is a totally captivating bottling even in its heady youth. Once on the nose this shows beautiful creme de violette alongside blackberry preserves and shades of black licorice. This comes off super seamless on the palate, with refined tannins. The palate is nuanced and smooth with graphite, and a fantastic core of black and blue fruits. Finishing long this is beautiful wine that has both the freshness and flavor density to cellar well for another twenty plus years.
Jane Anson (97)
There is a confidence and an effortless quality to the winemaking at Opus, and it comes through clearly in this vintage. Expertly judged, a rich dollop of black cherry and juicy rich blackcurrant and blueberry fruit, laced with liquorice, rosebud and incense. The kick of heat is well managed and brought in line. Very good quality, tannins already have a succulence to them but it will improve with a few more years in bottle. 18 days skin contact, harvest September 19 to October 25. 100% new oak for ageing, Michael Silacci director.
