A modern classic. The 2013 vintage captures Opus One at its most structured and expressive, earning multiple perfect scores—and deservedly so. Bursting with blackcurrant, blueberry compote, roses, and sweet tobacco, it’s rich and complex yet impeccably balanced. Layers of velvety tannins and vibrant acidity give it both immediate appeal and serious aging potential. Decadent but refined, this wine is a benchmark for what Napa can achieve.

James Suckling | JS 100
Published: Sep 14, 2016

The greatest Opus ever. Terrific aromas of crushed black currants, blueberries, and flowers with hints of sweet tobacco. Roses continue to exude opulence and class. Full body, superb balance of ultra-fine tannins and vibrant acidity. Complex aftertaste of black fruits and citrus fruit. Extremely persistent. So approachable now and enjoyable. But will be even better in 2019 and beyond. 79% cabernet sauvignon, 7% cabernet franc, 6% merlot, 6% petit verdot, 2% malbec. This will always be beautiful to drink.

Decanter | D 100
Published: Sep 14, 2019
Drink: 2024-2042

I love the 2012, but honestly the 2013 just has the edge, because it is just as concentrated and full of fruit but acidity and floral nuance balances out the richness. Dark deep rosemary spice and black olive paste deepens the flavours through the mid-palate and you just have to hang on as this goes spiralling through, drawing the flavours out to a lengthy finish. 2% Malbec, 6% Petit Verdot completes the blend. 18 days skin contact.
Closure: Natural Cork
Alcohol: 14.50%
Body: Full
Oak: Oaked
Grapes: 7% Cabernet Franc 79% Cabernet Sauvignon 2% Malbec 6% Merlot 6% Petit Verdot

The Wine Advocate | RP 98
Published: Feb 26, 2021
Drink: 2021-2046

Deep garnet colored, the 2013 Opus One needs a little swirling before exploding with preserved black and blue fruits—blueberry compote, blackberry pie and blackcurrant cordial—giving way to notes of unsmoked cigars, new leather, beef drippings and menthol with wafts of roasted rosemary and rose oil. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is both powerful and ethereal, charged with energy and backed up by profound black fruits, supported with plush tannins and seamless freshness, finishing very long and beautifully perfumed.

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!

Jancis Robinson | JR 18.5
Published: Sep 1, 2016
Drink: 2016-2030

79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, 6% Merlot, 2% Malbec. The product of 18 months in barriques and the same period in bottle before release. Dark crimson. Extremely intense and even savoury on the nose – much less obviously Napa than the multi-vintage Overture tasted immediately beforehand. This has real verve but also wonderfully supple tannins. Heady with an edge of iodine, this is the taste of luxury. (It's not difficult to imagine how much discussion between winemaker Michael Silacci of Opus and Philippe Dhalluin of Mouton went into this.)

Opusonewinery.com

A very dry and unseasonably warm winter gave the vines an early start on the 2013 vintage. Flowering occurred under near-perfect conditions, which led to excellent fruit set throughout the Oakville estate vineyards and ensured a bountiful harvest though smaller than the previous year. Ideal conditions continued during the summer with moderate temperatures prevailing until harvest began after midnight on September 5th. Despite sporadic stops due to weather events, the relatively compressed harvest was completed on October 8th.

The Opus One 2013 offers splendid aromas of blueberry, cassis, and blackberries with highlights of rose, anise and baking spices. A creamy entry gives way to layers of complexity which unfold in the mid-palate with velvety tannins enrobing a center of concentrated black fruit with juicy freshness. Elegantly balanced, the acidity and core structure deliver a persistent finish with hints of dark chocolate. The Opus One 2013 promises enjoyment for decades to come.

Cabernet Sauvignon 79%, Cabernet Franc 7%, Merlot 6%, Petit Verdot 6%, Malbec 2%

18 days

17½ months in new French oak