CRITIC REVIEWS
Antonio Galloni
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.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Very deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Opus One soars out of the glass with bright, bold boysenberries, warm cassis and ripe, juicy black plums notes, plus emerging nuances of lilacs, oolong tea, cinnamon stick, tilled soil and black truffles. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with tightly wound layers of crunchy black fruits, supported by firm, grainy tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing with lifted fruitiness and on a lingering mineral note.
JancisRobinson.com
Growing conditions are described by the Opus team as idyllic with consistent weather and milder temperatures. The beginning of the year was notably dry but there was well-timed rainfall just before budbreak providing the necessary water for canopy development. Flawless conditions ensued during flowering and fruit set which led to higher-than-average yields. While the season got off to a later start, veraison occurred only seven days later than the average, which gave the fruit the necessary time to ripen perfectly. Harvest was 19 September to 25 October. 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 5% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec. 18-day skin contact, then 17 months in new French oak. Fresh and a little angular. Definitely a youthful wine. Lots to chew on. Very long. Very young. Good drive. (JR)


