Tasting Notes:

100 points Jane Anson

A classical vintage that perfectly suits the Opus style. Gorgeous vivid plum colour, sculpted, balanced, with a ton of lift, waves of rose petals, iris and peony, soft grilled cumin, sage and white pepper spice. Love the hidden power here and the supple slightly chalky tannins that are structured in their architecture with a precision and carved quality. Precise, layered and stretched out, a brilliant Opus, concentrated and yet delicate. Feels pared back and captures the spirit of early Opus, when it moved forward the conversation of what Napa could be. Michael Silacci director, 100% new oak for ageing extremely well integrated even now.

99 points James Suckling

An enticing aroma of violets, cherry blossoms, fresh blue and black fruit and great structure define this beautiful, age-worthy wine. Subtle layering of fruit and oak spices between firm, fine-grained and supportive tannins gives it a calm intensity. So elegant and polished. Hints of cinnamon and graphite accent blackcurrant and blueberry flavors that linger and grow in a long finish. Already attractive to drink, but best after 2029.

98 points The Wine Independent

The 2021 Opus One is composed of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, and 0.5% each of Merlot and Malbec. It was bottled in July 2023. Deep garnet-purple in color, it comes barreling out of the glass with gregarious notions of creme de cassis, wild blueberries, and redcurrant jelly followed by hints of cedar chest, sassafras, vanilla pod, and dark chocolate plus a waft of lilacs. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers shimmery red, black, and blue fruit layers with a firm texture of rounded tannins and impressive tension, finishing long and fragrant. (LPB)

97 points Jeb Dunnuck

The 2021 Opus One is brilliant and I think one of the finest wines made from this estate. Deep ruby/purple-hued, with a gorgeous perfume of cassis, darker raspberries, spicy oak, and obvious minerality, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, seamless mouthfeel, lots of ripe tannins, and a great finish. It shines on all accounts and is complex, nuanced, textured, and beautifully balanced. It will have 30 years of prime drinking.

97 points Vinous

The 2021 Opus One is absolutely gorgeous. Vibrant, layered and quite sensual in feel, the 2021 possesses the concentration and depth of years such as 2013 and 2010 but with more polished tannins. Dark red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal, mint and a touch of cinnamon open gracefully. Sweet floral notes extend the mid-palate into the finish, where silky tannins wrap it all together. The 2021 is an incredibly promising Opus One. (AG)

Cult Wines International Notes:

Opus One, a name synonymous with luxury in the world of fine wine, is a testament to the visionary partnership between Robert Mondavi, the pioneer of California winemaking, and Baron Philippe de Rothschild, scion of the esteemed Bordeaux family.

Their shared vision, born from a meeting in Hawaii in 1970, aimed to unite the best of Old World and New World winemaking philosophies. This collaboration culminated in the creation of Opus One in 1979, a groundbreaking blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and other Bordeaux varietals.

The estate, nestled in the heart of Oakville, Napa Valley, boasts over 100 acres of vineyards, including a significant portion from the legendary To Kalon Vineyard. The unique terroir of Napa Valley, with its Mediterranean climate and diverse soils, provides the ideal conditions for cultivating exceptional grapes.

Meticulous viticulture and winemaking practices ensure the highest quality. Hand-harvested grapes are carefully sorted, and the wine is aged in French oak barrels. The final blend, overseen by renowned winemaker Michael Silacci, achieves a harmonious balance of fruit, oak, and tannins.

Opus One is celebrated for its intense aromas of dark fruit, mineral undertones, and a velvety texture. It is a wine of exceptional complexity and elegance, reflecting the dedication of its creators and the unique terroir of Napa Valley.

Opus One stands as a lasting testament to the enduring legacy of Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild, a symbol of excellence that continues to inspire and delight wine enthusiasts worldwide.

Bottle Size:

750 mL

Storage History:

Stored on its side in a climate-controlled cellar since release.

Condition:

Excellent condition, as shown.