![]() Exquisite tension and finesse with an almost Burgundian texture, yet it’s Napa in its soul with ripe fruit, stones, spices and Chinese tea leaf flavors. Drink dates 2026-2036.” – Antonio Galloni, Vinous (December 2018)ĩ7 Points: “Mesmerizing aromas of flowers, bark, currants and blackberries. The blend is 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 8% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec. Of the last four vintages, the 2016 is certainly the most open-knit in the early going. I expect the 2016 will enjoy a long drinking window that will start to open relatively soon. In this mini-vertical, the 2016 most closely resembles the 2014, although it has more mid-palate sweetness and overall depth, along with a slightly darker profile. Drink date 2022- 2055.” – Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (August 2018)ĩ6+ Points: The 2016 Opus One has turned out beautifully. This a very decadent expression of Opus One with a provocatively effortless harmoniousness that is truly difficult to resist. Full-bodied, super-concentrated and packed with black and blue fruits, the palate is built like a brick house with firm, ripe, finely grained tannins and oodles of freshness, finishing long and perfumed. Very deep purple-black, the nose reveals profound notions of chocolate-covered cherries, crème de cassis, blueberry compote and licorice with touches of tobacco, cedar chest, Sichuan pepper, eucalyptus, and violets. Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 8% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1.5% Malbec, the Opus One 2016 Proprietary Red Wine was recently bottled in July and August 2018. Needs at least three to five years to come together.” – James Suckling (May 2019) Full-bodied yet linear and very refined with a very persistent finish. The wine finishes with fresh acidity and a rich, lingering finish that promises longevity in the cellar.99 Points: “Fantastic aromas that are complex and complete with blackcurrants, blueberries, and herbs, such as basil and bay leaf. Silky, fine-grained tannins provide structure and a creamy texture. The entry is vibrant with ripe dark fruit flavors of plum, blackberry and blueberry followed by hints of vanilla and cocoa. Initial dark fruit, spice and baking aromas in the 2015 Opus One are interwoven with seductive notes of violet, black tea, and sage. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec. Pure, rich dark berry, plum and gravelly earth flavors are framed by spicy, cedary oak notes, ending long, clean and elegant, with just the right touch of tannins. In my view, the 2015 will always be more extroverted, although it does need time to be at its most expressive. Winemaker Michael Silacci add that the 2015 will, in his view, follow a similar trajectory to the 2008, which he later opened for the sake of comparison. Just bottled a month prior to this tasting, the 2015 is naturally a bit more reticent than it has been in the past. There is more than enough depth for the 2015 to develop positively for 20-25 years, perhaps more. At this stage, the new oak is still a bit prominent, but that should not be an issue as the wine ages. Dark, sumptuous and voluptuous in the glass, with no hard edges, the 2015 captures all the essence of the vintage while retaining a good bit of aromatic freshness. The 2015 Opus One is just as fabulous from bottle as it was from barrel. Although it is already approachable, allow it another 3-5 years in bottle for its myriad of subtle accents to fully blossom and then drink it over the next 30+ years. Full-bodied, rich and bold in the mouth, it fills the palate with exotic spice-laced black and red fruits, framed by firm, beautifully ripe, grainy tannins and great freshness, finishing with epic persistence. It opens with a deep garnet-purple color and wonderfully spicy notes of cinnamon stick, cloves and fenugreek with a core of cherry preserves, redcurrant jelly, blackberry pie and warm plums plus hints of camphor, lavender and cigar box. Opus One's 2015 Proprietary Red Wine is truly an iron fist in a velvet glove, delivering a powerhouse of flavors and structure with a seductively plush texture. I like it slightly better than the excellent 2014. All about harmonious fruit and tannin balance. Brightness is the word that comes to mind. Roses, currant bush and fresh leaves, too. Purity and brilliance on the nose with so much currant and flower character.
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