2016 Opus One
Buying options
Tasting notes
2016 marked the fifth consecutive year of punishing drought in northern California although Oakville enjoyed 28.5 in of rain, most of it before March which encouraged budbreak as early as 7 March. Conditions in August were propitious with only a temporary heat spike in early September. Harvest started 9 September under mild conditions which allowed the vineyard team to be more selective and work at a steady pace. But as warming increased, so did the pace. Harvest was completed, in a relatively few 33 days, on 12 October. 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 8% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec. 17-day skin contact. 18 months in new French oak. Glowing crimson. Heady red fruits and sleek, cool finish. Appetising. Though obviously fairly young. Lots of grunt and well balanced. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Love the texture, vibrancy and depth on the 2016. Evident from the opening beats as being sculpted, powerful and juicy. There is still some smoked caramel on display, as with the 2015, but here is is nuanced and riven through with pomegranate, black cherry, blood orange, cassis and tea leaves. Baked vanilla, rosemary and sage round this out, loved it when last tasted in 2019 and love it still. 17 days skin contact, 100% new oak for ageing, Michael Silacci director. Harvest September 9 to October 12.
77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 8% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec. Bottled in July/August 2018. Very deep crimson. Sweet tea-leaf aromas and concentrated, glamorous fruit but at this stage in its development I'm looking for just a little more lift, to be picky. (JR)
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. (AG)
About the producer
Created by Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild, Opus One is one of the most famous wines and estates in the Napa Valley. Its iconic Cabernet Sauvignon combines the elegance and freshness of Bordeaux with the natural ripeness and opulence of Napa.
Product details
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec/ Auxerrois / Cot
Red
Dry