Opus One 2022

Opus One 2022 is a hallmark red blend from the Oakville appellation in Napa Valley, California.

The estate was founded in 1978 as a historic joint venture between Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild and renowned vintner Robert Mondavi. Combining French tradition with American innovation, the winery's sole mission is the pursuit of uncompromising quality through a single, iconic wine. The estate vineyards are farmed organically, with a focus on vine health and maintaining a balanced ecosystem to preserve the founders' vision for future generations.

Wine Description

The 2022 vintage presents a sophisticated and inviting sensory profile, exuding charm with primary aromas of blueberry, cassis, and dried rose petals. Underlying layers of cigar box, olive, and graphite add a rich complexity to the bouquet. On the palate, the wine is harmonious and balanced, featuring bright red-fruit flavours, cocoa, and fresh orange peel. It is characterized by fine-grained tannins and a long, elegant finish that offers lingering notes of wet stone, vanilla, and coffee.

The varietal composition of the 2022 blend is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 6.5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, and 0.5% Malbec. After 20 days of skin contact, the wine was aged for 18 months in new French oak barrels. This vintage has an ABV of 14.0%.

Accolades

• 97 Points - Decanter: "Chocolate, cherry and rose petal aromas on the nose. Very open and alive - this has a great energy from the aromatics alone with soft cedar shavings, vanilla bean and bramble fruit. Juicy and lively, this is full of fun - fruity and concentrated. The tannins are just wonderful, creamy and slightly grippy, extending the flavours vertically. Tons of juicy, succulent fruit - this feels quite modern but still with that flash of sunshine and ripeness. Long lasting with purity and delicacy that make it so enjoyable. A wonderful creation from Michael Silacci. This is not your typical blockbuster at all, this is a darling of a wine. 0.5% Malbec completes the blend. The Opus team chose to pick early and quickly given the heat spikes in 2022, starting with the Merlot on 24th August. Ageing 18 months in French oak."

• 96 Points - James Suckling: "Generous, with savory aromas of ripe blackcurrants and fresh black cherries and a gentle texture that shows a slight nip of tannin. It is well structured and a bit tight, which is normal for a young cabernet sauvignon-based red that’s a proven collectible. Gives up graphite and pencil shavings, some cocoa and espresso. Full-bodied. Spicy, toasty oak is really showing through right now. Best from 2028."

• 95 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: '"icked before, during and after the year's early September heat, the 2022 Opus One—a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 6.5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot and 0.5% Malbec—admirably reflects the vintage, boasting a ripe, extroverted personality but also a slightly open-knit, coarser mouthfeel than either the 2021 or 2023. Rosemary and sandalwood notes accent cherries on the nose, while the medium- to full-bodied palate is expansive and plush, finishing with ample length and soft tannins."

Food Pairing

The structured tannins and rich fruit profile of Opus One make it an ideal companion for marbled red meats, such as a seared filet mignon with sautéed mushrooms or a classic beef Bourguignon. It stands up beautifully to rare, grilled prime cuts or wine-braised stews. For a more diverse pairing, it can be served alongside a traditional French cassoulet or aged hard cheeses.