Jamessuckling.com | JS 99
Published: Feb 13, 2019

Fantastic aromas that are complex and complete with blackcurrants, blueberries and herbs, such as basil and bay leaf. But always subtle. Full-bodied yet linear and very refined with a very persistent finish. It shows drive and brightness. So refined at the end. Needs at least three to five years to come together.

The Wine Advocate | RP 98
Published: Feb 26, 2021
Drink: 2021-2055

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Opus One bursts from the glass with ripe blueberries, black cherry jam and crème de cassis with hints of violets, dark chocolate, cedar chest and cardamom, plus a touch of charcoal. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated, the palate delivers layer upon layer of opulent stewed black fruit with amazing tension and firm, ripe, fine-grained tannins, finishing long with a whole array of exotic spices coming through.

During my recent visit to Opus One, I tasted five vintages of the "grand vin," including a barrel sample of the 2019, which will be published separately in a dedicated report.
Comparing the 2018 vintage with 2019, winemaker Michael Silacci commented, "There’s a little more richness to 2019. 2018 is elegant, and that's not an excuse for being lighter. I like the intensity of the 2018s—2019 is a bit above it. 2018 was cooler with a little bit more acidity."
Both vintages are a triumph at Opus One and a testament to the subtle changes that Silacci and his team have been conducting in the vineyards and winery over the last 15+ years. Bravo!

Decanter | D 98
Published: Sep 14, 2019
Drink: 2027-2044

Love the juiciness of this, right off the bat, rich deep black cherry rippling with menthol and eucalyptus notes, and these beautiful floral aromatics that Opus gets in the best years. A very classic style, touches of baked vanilla, rosemary and olive. Harvest 9th September to 12th October (starting off slowly then speeding up as the heat rose). 1% Malbec, 8% Petit Verdot completes the blend, 17 days skin contact.

Closure: Cork
Alcohol: 15.00%
Body: Full
Oak: Oaked
Grapes: 77% Cabernet Sauvignon

Jancisrobinson.com | JR 18++
Published: Nov 6, 2019
Drink: 2019-2039

77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec. Released on 2 September 2019.
Succulent and fruity with a porty note on the nose. Interlaced oak gives cedar and sweet spice. There's also dark chocolate (a benchmark flavour, apparently) and iodine too. Silky tannins, glossy texture – this is Pauillac in soft focus. Absolutely drinkable. Long, savoury and serious.