A masterclass in balance and elegance, the 2018 Opus One is a poised expression of Napa terroir at its most refined. Dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon (84%), with supporting roles from Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec, it opens with soaring aromatics of violets, cassis, black cherry and graphite. On the palate, fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity carry dark fruit, cocoa and fresh herbs with precision and depth. A cooler vintage lends the wine lifted freshness and aromatic purity, while the debut of 80% wild yeast fermentation adds textural complexity. Polished yet restrained, this is an age-worthy Napa classic that evolves gracefully in the glass.

Jamessuckling.com | JS 99
Published: Aug 1, 2021

Extremely perfumed and floral with lavender, lilacs and violets to the sweet, ripe berries, such as blackberries and blackcurrants. Some slate and graphite, too. It’s full-bodied, yet ever so balanced and refined, with super fine tannins that last for minutes. Fresh herbs, such as bay leaf and lemon grass highlight the dark fruit. The quality of tannin is exquisite with wonderful polish and refinement. Lasts for minutes. So wonderful to taste now, but better after 2026.

The Wine Advocate | RP 98
Published: Feb 26, 2021
Drink: 2024-2058

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. 

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: Jul 20, 2021
Drink: 2024-2040

Power and concentration from the start but with a lovely vein of cool blue fruits and an invigoratingly fresh core. Dark chocolate, coffee, blueberries and pomegranate combine to give a seductive nose and follow through on the palate with an immediate burst of juicy acidity and plush tannins. Layered and nuanced, the texture is striking, elegant and precise with juice that his the side of the mouth supported by oak spice that gently frames the overall feeling giving balance. Abundant in a sense but also reigned in making you want another glass straight away. 80% wild yeast fermentation for the first time as of the 2018 vintage.

Jancisrobinson.com | JR 16++
Published: Mar 11, 2025
Drink: 2024-2038

84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 5% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec. Aged for 17 months in new French oak.
Stubborn, backward style, not only lighter than expected in body, but restrained in fruit. Structurally balanced and ready to drink, just not very aromatically eloquent. Dozing?

Opusonewinery.com

The Opus One 2018 offers profuse aromas of blackberry, cassis and black cherry. Elegant notes of violets, white pepper and rose petals follow and together they deliver a very seductive bouquet. The seamlessly layered flavors build to a crescendo of fresh and juicy black-fruit, accented with hints of orange zest, licorice and dark chocolate. Beautifully balanced, the smooth round tannins and fresh acidity combine to create a soft, creamy mouthfeel and extend the flavors into a long persistent finish.

Cabernet Sauvignon 84%, Petit Verdot 6%, Merlot 5%, Cabernet Franc 4% and Malbec 1%

18 days

17 months in new French oak