"…fleischige, warme auch mineralische Frucht, sehr warm, rote Früchte, rote Beeren und Cassis, süße Kirschen, kräftige Säure, viel Charme, saftig, feine Bitterschoko, feine Kräutertöne im schönen Finish" (08/2024)
Decanter: 96 Punkte
"The 2022 Opus One is a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Malbec. Winemaker Michael Silacci explained that this vintage marked the earliest harvest ever at Opus One, beginning on 5 September. 'I saw a tsunami of heat coming, and I said we will pick.' Silacci added that the rush to harvest reminded him of a line in the song 'Umbrella' by Jay-Z and Rihanna: 'We fly higher than the weather, in G5's or better... in anticipation...' Given the heat dome that settled over Napa Valley, it seemed a wise decision. Deep ruby in colour with a purple-tawny rim in the glass, the aromas are high-toned with cassis and graphite and a cinnamon-dusted red berry character, nuanced by the woody, spicy aromas of freshly cut rose stems, balanced by fresh rose petals and dark chocolate. On the palate, it’s a creamy wine with a slightly more satin or velvet texture than the 2021 and a touch more sweetness in the berry fruit, balanced by the tannins' textural integrity. The finish is sweetly floral and softened by a lingering salty mineral quality. There’s a real brightness to this wine as it opens in the glass." - Jonathan Cristaldi (08/2024)
Jane Anson: 96 Punkte
"Smoky, fragrant and powerful, this has clear intensity with tightly-grained tannins. With coaxing, the body of the wine softens to show chalky tannins, crushed rose petals and violet flowers, impressive delicacy to the aromatics despite the heat of this vintage. Great stuff, once again showing how Opus knows when to take the foot off the pedal, how to sverve towards grace. Picking was exceptionally early, coming on August 24 for the Merlot, as they reacted to the forecast for a big heat dome. Michael Silacci director." (06/2025)