The 2019 Opus One is a real showstopper with its vibrant and pure fruit profile. Think rich blackcurrants, dark cherries, and fresh floral notes like violets and roses. Its full-bodied but balanced, with silky tannins and a juicy, lively freshness that keeps things exciting. Theres also a subtle earthiness and hints of spice that add complexity without overpowering the fruit. Smooth and elegant, its built to age beautifully, so its worth waiting a few years before cracking it open.

The Wine Advocate | RP 97-99
Published: Mar 18, 2021
Drink: 2024-2058

Winemaker Michael Silacci commented that usually the blends are finished in January or February after the vintage. This year, with the 2019s, he was still tweaking the blend, but he did mention that this is “pretty close to the final blend.” Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 Opus One leaps from the glass with notes of Black Forest cake, Morello cherries, mulberries and fresh blackcurrants plus hints of licorice, wilted roses, Sichuan pepper and iron ore. Full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with juicy black, blue and red fruits, framed by velvety tannins and background freshness, finishing on a compelling earthy/mineral note. Tasted as a barrel sample, this is a truly magnificent Opus One in the making!

James Suckling| JS 99
Published: Dec 28, 2022

The purity of fruit is really something else here, with currants and fresh flowers, such as violets and roses. Flower stems as well. Fantastic length and structure to the wine, with tightness and focus. Wonderful fruit. Graceful. A blend of 78% cabernet sauvignon, 8% merlot, 7% petit verdot, 6% cabernet franc and 1% malbec. Try after 2028.

Decanter | D 98
Published: Jul 5, 2022
Drink: 2024-2045

Intensely perfumed on the nose, rose petals, violets, deeply scented and seductive. Rich yet expansive on the palate, very open with dark chocolate, cherries, fragrant blackcurrant – sweet and scented, with satin-like tannins that effortlessly support the flavours. There is real drive and persistency to this, fresh, youthful and alive with a vibrant juiciness that is so appealing. No one element is too dominant, this feels harmonious and balanced with an excellent tangy acidity and long minty, herbal finish with edges of tobacco and dark chocolate. A classic Opus with breadth, finesse and energy. Grapes were harvested 10 days earlier than average, on 10th September with harvest lasting four weeks. 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec complete the blend. Ageing 19 months in new French oak.
Closure: Cork
Alcohol: 13.50%
Body: Full
Grapes: 78% Cabernet Sauvignon 8% Merlot 6% Petit Verdot

Jancisrobinson.com | JR 17
Published: Jul 6, 2023
Drink: 2025-2035

Tasted blind. Mid, slightly dull crimson with a fairly pale rim. Slightly simple Cabernet aromas with some oak traces left but then it opened up into a pretty smart wine with Cabernet in ascendant. Theres just a slight greenness on the not-especially-persistent, sweetish finish. I thought this might be Pontet Canet but would have guessed this was Opus if Id read my previous tasting note about the strong cassis aromas.

Opusonewinery.com

The Opus One 2019 has intense aromas of black plum, blueberry, black currant, and dried rose petals, accentuated by mineral undertones. The creamy, satiny texture is framed by ne-grained tannins. The freshness and soft glow of acidity create a subtle tension with dark fruit avors, savory herbs, espresso, and cocoa. A delicate dark chocolate bitterness lingers on the nish.

Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon 78%, Merlot 8%, Petit Verdot 6%, Cabernet Franc 6% and Malbec 2%

Skin Contact

22 days

Barrel Aging

19 months in new French oak