The 2021 Opus One is a beautifully balanced, elegant wine that feels both classic and fresh. It shows a vibrant mix of red and dark fruits—think cranberries, raspberries, and blackcurrants—layered with delicate floral notes like violets and cherry blossoms. There’s a subtle spice and a touch of earthiness, with silky, finely grained tannins that give it a smooth yet structured feel. Light on its feet but with real depth, this one captures the refined spirit of early Opus vintages and promises great aging potential.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux | JA 100
Published: Jul 20, 2024

A classical vintage that perfectly suits the Opus style. Gorgeous vivid plum colour, sculpted, balanced, with a ton of lift, waves of rose petals, iris and peony, soft grilled cumin, sage and white pepper spice. Love the hidden power here and the supple slightly chalky tannins that are structured in their architecture with a precision and carved quality. Precise, layered and stretched out, a brilliant Opus, concentrated and yet delicate. Feels pared back and captures the spirit of early Opus, when it moved forward the conversation of what Napa could be.

James Suckling | JS 99
Published: Jul 27, 2024

An enticing aroma of violets, cherry blossoms, fresh blue and black fruit and great structure define this beautiful, age-worthy wine. Subtle layering of fruit and oak spices between firm, fine-grained and supportive tannins gives it a calm intensity. So elegant and polished. Hints of cinnamon and graphite accent blackcurrant and blueberry flavors that linger and grow in a long finish. Already attractive to drink, but best after 2029.

Decanter | D 98
Published: Aug 2, 2024
Drink: 2024-2050

The 2021 Opus One is a blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, and half a percent each of Malbec and Merlot. It was aged up to 19 months in 100% new French oak. It's a seamless wine with balletic elegance and grace. From a deep ruby-crimson colour comes heady red and violet floral notes, sandalwood, and rich brown spices nuanced by graphite and dried sagebrush. Medium to full-bodied with ultrafine-grained tannins, almost powdery, with gorgeous cranberry and raspberry fruits and a kind of juicy, woody, crushed pomegranate seed character. You really can't believe how light and ephemeral this wine is.