Opus One 2018
Opus One 2018 is a prestigious red blend from the Oakville American Viticultural Area (AVA) in Napa Valley, California. This iconic winery was established in 1979 as a joint venture between Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild and renowned Napa vintner Robert Mondavi. Their shared winemaking philosophy focuses on creating a single, exceptional wine that seamlessly blends Old World Bordeaux traditions with New World innovation and the unique terroir of the heart of Napa Valley.
Wine Description
This vintage features a very deep garnet-purple colour and a seductive, highly aromatic profile. The bouquet offers profuse scents of blackberry, cassis, and black cherry, layered with elegant notes of violets, rose petals, white pepper, and earthy touches. On the palate, it is medium to full bodied with a round, satiny mouthfeel and a crescendo of fresh, juicy black-fruit flavours accented by hints of orange zest, licorice, and dark chocolate. The structure is beautifully balanced by smooth, fine-grained tannins and a racy beam of acidity that leads into a long, persistent, and mineral-tinged finish. The varietal composition for the 2018 vintage is 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 5% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Malbec. This wine has an ABV of 14.0% and was aged for 17 to 18 months in 100% new French oak.
Food Pairing
The elegant structure and polished tannins of this wine make it a versatile partner for all types of classic meat dishes, including roast or grilled beef, lamb, and game. Specific suggestions include a rack of lamb with ratatouille, braised short ribs, or filet mignon. It also pairs effectively with savoury truffle-based dishes, hearty mushroom courses, and fine hard cheeses such as aged Gruyère.
Vintage Quality
The 2018 vintage in Napa Valley is regarded as exceptional, benefiting from idyllic growing conditions and milder, more consistent temperatures. Well-timed rainfall before budbreak provided necessary water for canopy development, followed by flawless conditions during flowering that led to higher-than-average yields. This moderate growing season allowed for a long, steady ripening period, resulting in a harvest—starting September 19th—that yielded fruit with remarkable freshness, purity, and concentration.
99 Points - James Suckling:
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.
Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Description
Opus One 2018 is a prestigious red blend from the Oakville American Viticultural Area (AVA) in Napa Valley, California. This iconic winery was established in 1979 as a joint venture between Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild and renowned Napa vintner Robert Mondavi. Their shared winemaking philosophy focuses on creating a single, exceptional wine that seamlessly blends Old World Bordeaux traditions with New World innovation and the unique terroir of the heart of Napa Valley.
Wine Description
This vintage features a very deep garnet-purple colour and a seductive, highly aromatic profile. The bouquet offers profuse scents of blackberry, cassis, and black cherry, layered with elegant notes of violets, rose petals, white pepper, and earthy touches. On the palate, it is medium to full bodied with a round, satiny mouthfeel and a crescendo of fresh, juicy black-fruit flavours accented by hints of orange zest, licorice, and dark chocolate. The structure is beautifully balanced by smooth, fine-grained tannins and a racy beam of acidity that leads into a long, persistent, and mineral-tinged finish. The varietal composition for the 2018 vintage is 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 5% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Malbec. This wine has an ABV of 14.0% and was aged for 17 to 18 months in 100% new French oak.
Food Pairing
The elegant structure and polished tannins of this wine make it a versatile partner for all types of classic meat dishes, including roast or grilled beef, lamb, and game. Specific suggestions include a rack of lamb with ratatouille, braised short ribs, or filet mignon. It also pairs effectively with savoury truffle-based dishes, hearty mushroom courses, and fine hard cheeses such as aged Gruyère.
Vintage Quality
The 2018 vintage in Napa Valley is regarded as exceptional, benefiting from idyllic growing conditions and milder, more consistent temperatures. Well-timed rainfall before budbreak provided necessary water for canopy development, followed by flawless conditions during flowering that led to higher-than-average yields. This moderate growing season allowed for a long, steady ripening period, resulting in a harvest—starting September 19th—that yielded fruit with remarkable freshness, purity, and concentration.
99 Points - James Suckling:
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.
