Professional reviews
Robert Parker (95)
Picked before, during and after the year's early September heat, the 2022 Opus One—a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 6.5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot and 0.5% Malbec—admirably reflects the vintage, boasting a ripe, extroverted personality but also a slightly open-knit, coarser mouthfeel than either the 2021 or 2023. Rosemary and sandalwood notes accent cherries on the nose, while the medium- to full-bodied palate is expansive and plush, finishing with ample length and soft tannins.
James Suckling (96)
Generous, with savory aromas of ripe blackcurrants and fresh black cherries and a gentle texture that shows a slight nip of tannin. It is well structured and a bit tight, which is normal for a young cabernet sauvignon-based red that’s a proven collectible. Gives up graphite and pencil shavings, some cocoa and espresso. Full-bodied. Spicy, toasty oak is really showing through right now. Best from 2028.
Jancis Robinson (18)
They picked pre- and post- the severe early September heat spell. Silacci: One of the most important vintages to show people what we’re up to. The result of our work in the vineyard.’ (2023 is bottled but not yet released.) Following early-winter rains which provided 12 inches more rain than the previous year, the late-winter months were unseasonably dry. Late spring weather was turbulent, but did not impact flowering or fruit set. But extreme temperatures during harvest were challenging. Pre-emptive measures had been taken in advance of this heatwave; selective irrigation was based on specific vine needs and the result was notable freshness in the fruit. Harvest was 24 August to 26 September. 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 6.5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 0.5% Malbec. 20-day skin contact. 18 months in new French oak.
Hint of sweetness and still chewy. Surprisingly savoury. Long. Obviously still very youthful.
Vinous (95)
93- 96: Tasted from barrel, the 2022 Opus One is quite flamboyant in its aromatics, flavors and textures. Dense, plush and creamy, with no hard edges, the 2022 possesses compelling balance and plenty of allure at this early stage. Harvest started on August 24, the earliest ever. Winemaker Michael Silacci and his team chose to irrigate just before the massive Labor Day heat spike, an unusual decision here.
Jeb Dunnuck (94)
The 2022 Opus One shows the sunny, perfumed style of the vintage. Black raspberries, smoked tobacco, incense, and spicy wood notes all define the aromatics, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a supple, layered mouthfeel, velvety tannins, and a great finish. I’ve been lucky enough to do many retrospectives of this wine, so I have no doubt it will evolve gracefully for a solid two decades.
Decanter (97)
Chocolate, cherry and rose petal aromas on the nose. Very open and alive - this has a great energy from the aromatics alone with soft cedar shavings, vanilla bean and bramble fruit. Juicy and lively, this is full of fun - fruity and concentrated. The tannins are just wonderful, creamy and slightly grippy, extending the flavours vertically. Tons of juicy, succulent fruit - this feels quite modern but still with that flash of sunshine and ripeness. Long lasting with purity and delicacy that make it so enjoyable. A wonderful creation from Michael Silacci. This is not your typical blockbuster at all, this is a darling of a wine. 0.5% Malbec completes the blend. The Opus team chose to pick early and quickly given the heat spikes in 2022, starting with the Merlot on 24th August. Ageing 18 months in French oak.
The Wine Independent (96)
The 2022 Opus One was tasted as a barrel sample. Deep garnet-purple in color, it soars with eager-to-go notes of blackcurrant pastilles, juicy blackberries, and plum preserves leading to hints of crushed rocks, tree bark, and Sichuan pepper. The full-bodied palate is concentrated and impactful, with a firm line of ripe, grainy tannins and bags of black fruit preserves layers, finishing with loads of savory nuances and a compelling lift.
