Elegant yet grounded, the 2014 Opus One shows a graceful side of Napa. Aromas of florals, currants, and forest floor lead into a layered core of red cherry, blackberry, and tea leaf. With velvety tannins and savory spice, it strikes a balance between finesse and richness. Less muscular than 2013, but more open and aromatic—think depth without heaviness. A vintage that whispers rather than shouts.

Jamessuckling.com | JS 97
Published: Jun 14, 2017

Mesmerizing aromas of flowers, bark, currants and blackberries. So perfumed. You just want to smell it. Exquisite tension and finesse with an almost Burgundian texture, yet it’s Napa in its soul with ripe fruit, stones, spices and Chinese tea leaf flavors. Savory and delicious. Drinkable but better in 2020. Available on October 2017.

The Wine Advocate | RP 96
Published: Feb 27, 2021
Drink: 2021-2047

Deep garnet colored, the 2014 Opus One opens with youthful notes of warm blackberries, chocolate-covered cherries, redcurrant jelly and blackcurrant pastilles with hints of bay leaves, tobacco leaf and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, firm and grainy with a lively backbone and tightly wound black and red berry layers, it finishes with a compelling herbal lift.

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 96
Published: Sep 14, 2019
Drink: 2025-2040

Sometimes a little overlooked, this is a vintage that falls closer to 2012 than 2013 in profile, at least on this showing - it has velvety tannins that pack a punch, and the concentration is clear, with well-structured confident tannins and a deep swirl of black pepper. 2% Malbec, 7% Petit Verdot completes the blend. 20 days skin contact. Earliest bud break in history, mild and dry seasons, harvest from September 5 to October 7.
Alcohol: 14.50%
Body: Full
Oak: Oaked
Grapes: Cabernet Franc 80% Cabernet Sauvignon 7% Petit Verdot

Jancisrobinson.com | JR 17.5
Published: May 12, 2025
Drink: 2018-2034

80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 2% Malbec. Aged for 18 months in new French barriques.
Lively, lightly leafy with a rich base. Just what I want!

Opusonewinery.com

The 2014 vintage was precocious – marked by the earliest bud break in our history. Timely rainfall and a continuation of mild and dry conditions throughout the year allowed the grapevines to support the slightly higher-than-expected yields.

The 2014 Opus One exudes subtle aromas of fragrant florals, fresh garden herbs and forest floor that give way to a concentrated blend of red cherry, blackberry and black currant. Fine-grained tannins offer a velvety texture and complex structure that builds to a long, vibrantly fresh finish with a touch of mocha. Enjoyable now, the wine will delight for years to come. 
Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon 80%, Petit Verdot 7%, Cabernet Franc 6%, Merlot 5% and Malbec 2%
Skin Contact: 20 days
Barrel Aging: 18 months in new French oak