2015 Opus One

The warmest year since 2008, the 2015 growing season set a record for early bloom. Drought conditions persisted, and rainfall was erratic, with most of the much-needed rain falling at the end of the previous year and supplemented by only a single storm in February, just enough water to sustain the vines. Cooler conditions during flowering ultimately lead to a smaller number of berries on each cluster and lower-than-average yields. Warm summer months led to advanced veraison, which was followed by promising ripening conditions. Harvest began on 1 September with short pauses. Heat spells and continued warmth followed and harvest was completed on 8 October. 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec. 21-day skin contact. 18 months in new French barrels.  Heady and obviously ripe. Purple, sweet fruit and, like 2009, more like a typical Napa Cab. Hot finish and much sweeter than most vintages. (JR)

The 2015 Opus One is every bit as glorious as it was on release. I am so taken with the wine's freshness and verve. Flowers, red-toned fruit, spice and blood orange are very finely delineated. In its youth, the 2015 was decidedly exotic and flamboyant. Time has done a lot to settle down some of that initial exuberance. Today, the 2015 doesn't have the mid-palate body of some years, but that actually plays in its favor. The profile is also distinctly on the red-fruited end of the spectrum. Time is the ultimate judge when it comes to wine, and the 2015 exceeds all expectations.

2015 was the hottest vintage of the decade, and this remains spicy, concentrated, with incense, rosemary, sandalwood and cumin. A baby for sure, needs more time in bottle and even at ten years old I would say it is not ready. Intense and luscious, with a touch of olive tapenade, creme de cassis and smoked caramel, slight drying quality to the closing tannins, this is the only one that for me is tasting less good than it did in 2019. 21 days skin contact, Michael Silacci director. Harvest September 1 to October 8.