Cabernet Sauvignon accounts for 79% of this Napa Valley red blend, with 7% coming from Cabernet Franc, 6% from Merlot, and the remainder from Petit Verdot and Malbec.
Opus One produced its 2013 vintage based on a growing season that began early following a very dry winter that was warmer than usual for the season. Flowering conditions were nearly perfect, and fruit set was excellent, resulting in a bountiful harvest, albeit smaller than the previous year's. Harvesting began just after midnight on the 5th of September.
Winemaker Michael Silacci gave the fruit 18 days of skin contact, followed by 17.5 months of aging exclusively in new French oak barrels.
If decanted for about an hour, it's ready to drink right away, but the more patience you have, the more rewarding the experience will be. It's best enjoyed through 2046.
Robert Parker (97)
The 2013 Opus One, a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Malbec, is a beauty. Velvety textured, without a had edge to be found, notes of crème de cassis, blueberry, subtle wood and floral notes gently rise from the wine’s dense purple color. Beautifully full-bodied and extraordinarily elegant and pure, this is certainly one of their great achievements over the last 37 years. The wine has an exquisite finish and can be drunk now or cellared for 25-30 years.
James Suckling (100)
The greatest Opus ever. Terrific aromas of crushed black currants, blueberries, and flowers with hints of sweet tobacco. Roses continue to exude opulence and class. Full body, superb balance of ultra-fine tannins and vibrant acidity. Complex aftertaste of black fruits and citrus fruit. Extremely persistent. So approachable now and enjoyable. But will be even better in 2019 and beyond. 79% cabernet sauvignon, 7% cabernet franc, 6% merlot, 6% petit verdot, 2% malbec. This will always be beautiful to drink.
Jancis Robinson (18.5)
A very dry and unseasonably warm winter gave the vines an early start to the growing season and set in motion what is regarded by the team as an extraordinary vintage for Opus One. Flowering occurred under near-perfect conditions which led to excellent fruit set and ensured a bountiful harvest – though smaller than the previous year. Ideal conditions continued during the summer with moderate temperatures prevailing until harvest began after midnight on 5 September. Despite sporadic stops due to weather events, the relatively compressed harvest was completed on 8 October. 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec. 18-day skin contant and then 17.5 months in new French oak. Really juicy and fresh. Racy and complete. Fragrant and very satisfying, Transparent rather than heavy.
BOW (9.5)
Falstaff (98)
Deep ruby colour. Fully integrated ripe blackcurrant, blackberry, toast, cedar and tobacco aromas. Vibrant tannin and acid profile that brings a rich mouthfeel yet very structured. Opulent new world fruit with classic Bordeaux skeleton. The finish gives layers of coffee and cigar box nuances.
Owen Bargreen (96)
The 2013 Opus One is an incredible effort that is one of the most massive renditions of this wine I have tasted. On the nose there are deep tar aromas that mingle with shades of sagebrush, mocha and creme de cassis. The silky texture really entices, as does the soft mouthfeel. Massive dark fruits connect with shades of tar, leather, black cherry compote and creme de cassis on the palate. This beautiful wine is still just a baby and has an exceedingly long life ahead of it.
Jane Anson (100)
A legendary vintage at Opus, and this remains an extremely impressive wine at 12 years old. Expect black olive paste, bilberry and cassis, richly nuanced with juicy stone fruits and cherry pit, fragrant, still barely getting going, drawn out on the finish. A great example of a vintage that could be drunk now, and no doubt is being drunk by many collectors, but which will richly reward further patience. A note on my 100 point score by the way – this vintage is extremely different to the 2021, which also got my top score, so please be aware – this is exceptional opulence, whereas the 2021 is exceptional classicism. Harvest September 5 to October 8. 100% new oak for ageing, Michael Silacci director. 18 days skin contact.
