A masterclass in precision and finesse, the 2016 vintage balances ripeness with elegance. Bursting with aromas of cassis, violets, bay leaf, and baking spices, it glides across the palate with layered richness—black cherry, espresso, dark chocolate, and a whisper of menthol. Fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity give structure and lift. A bright, floral, and composed wine that is both powerfully expressive and gracefully restrained.

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.

Opusonewinery.com

2016 marked the fifth consecutive year of a punishing drought in Northern California; however, the Oakville estate was fortunate to receive 28½ inches of rain; most of which fell before March; making the soil conditions ideal for budbreak that began precociously on March 7th. Conditions in August were perfect for ripening and moderate temperatures persisted up until harvest with only a temporary heat spike in early September. Harvest began on September 9th under mild conditions which allowed the vineyard team to be more selective and work at a steady pace. As warming increased, so did the pace and the harvest was completed, in just 33 days, on October 12.

The Opus One 2016 is remarkably elegant and bright offering sumptuous aromas of fresh red and blue fruit, baking spices and vanilla, and a delicate fragrance of spring florals. The initial bouquet is augmented by more nuanced notes of sage, rosemary, and black olive. Juicy flavors of black cherry, blackberry and cassis flood the palate and creamy, fine-grained tannins deliver a delightfully round structure. Harmonious and lively, the flavors linger to create an enduring finish with touches of dark chocolate and espresso.

Cabernet Sauvignon 77%, Petit Verdot 8%, Merlot 8%, Cabernet Franc 5%, and Malbec 2%

17 days

18 months in new French oak