Opus One 2016 is one of the most critically acclaimed vintages in the estate's history, achieving 99 points from James Suckling, 98 points from The Wine Advocate and Decanter, and a perfect 100-point Tastingbook composite rating. Tastingbook ranks 2016 first among Opus One vintages, tied on points with 2019.

This exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon-led Bordeaux-style red wine comes from the prestigious Oakville appellation of Napa Valley, California. Born from the historic partnership between Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild and Robert Mondavi, Opus One unites the winemaking traditions of Bordeaux with the distinctive terroir of Napa Valley.

The 2016 vintage reflects a growing season marked by the fifth consecutive year of drought in Northern California. Despite these regional challenges, the Opus One estate received beneficial rainfall before spring, followed by favourable summer temperatures and ideal ripening conditions in August.

The resulting wine is remarkably elegant and expressive, offering generous aromas of fresh red and blue fruits, baking spices and vanilla, complemented by delicate spring florals. Nuanced impressions of sage, rosemary and black olive contribute complexity and depth.

On the palate, vibrant flavours of black cherry, blackberry and cassis unfold across a beautifully balanced structure. Creamy, fine-grained tannins provide a refined texture, while lingering notes of dark chocolate and espresso create an enduring finish.

Composed of five traditional Bordeaux grape varieties, Opus One 2016 underwent 17 days of skin contact followed by 18 months of maturation in new French oak barrels.

Celebrated for its precision, concentration, elegance and long-term ageing potential, Opus One 2016 represents an outstanding expression of the estate's winemaking philosophy and an important vintage for collectors and enthusiasts of Napa Valley fine wines.

The 2016 growing season marked the fifth consecutive year of severe drought in Northern California. The Opus One estate nevertheless received approximately 28½ inches of rainfall, most of which arrived before March.

These favourable moisture conditions supported early budbreak on March 7, 2016 and provided an excellent foundation for vine development.

August delivered particularly suitable conditions for ripening, with moderate temperatures allowing fruit to develop concentrated flavours while retaining freshness.

Following a temporary heat spike in early September, moderate conditions returned ahead of harvest, which commenced on September 9.

Careful vineyard selection and a measured picking schedule allowed the team to harvest fruit at the desired level of maturity. Harvest concluded on October 12, 2016.

The resulting vintage captures a compelling combination of ripe fruit, vibrant aromatics, refined tannins and structural balance.

Aroma: Expressive red and blue fruits accompanied by baking spices, vanilla and delicate spring florals. Nuances of sage, rosemary and black olive add savoury complexity.

Palate: Juicy, concentrated flavours of black cherry, blackberry and cassis unfold across a vibrant and beautifully balanced palate.

Texture: Creamy, fine-grained tannins contribute a rounded, polished mouthfeel.

Finish: Long and harmonious, with lingering impressions of dark chocolate and espresso.

Structure: Elegant and lively, balancing expressive fruit concentration with refined tannins, freshness and depth.

Ageing Potential: An age-worthy vintage with the structure to develop further under appropriate cellaring conditions. Actual maturity depends on individual bottle provenance and storage.

Opus One 2016 stands among the estate's most highly regarded vintages, earning exceptional assessments from internationally recognised wine critics and publications.

• 100 Points — Tastingbook: A perfect composite rating. Tastingbook identifies 2016 as its highest-ranked Opus One vintage, tied on points with 2019.
• 99 Points — James Suckling: Praised for its complex blackcurrant, blueberry and herbal aromatics, remarkable refinement, precision and persistent finish.
• 98 Points — The Wine Advocate: Lisa Perrotti-Brown highlights its concentrated dark fruit, layered complexity, vibrant tension and fine-grained tannins.
• 98 Points — Decanter: Jane Anson recognises its expressive black cherry character, floral aromatics, depth, vibrancy and classic structure.
• 97+ Points — Jeb Dunnuck: Acclaimed for its purity, elegance, ripe tannins and remarkable length.

Particularly distinguished by its combination of concentrated fruit, freshness, refined tannins and ageing potential, the 2016 vintage is widely regarded as an outstanding expression of Opus One.

Its exceptional critical reception and distinguished vintage character make Opus One 2016 a compelling selection for fine wine collectors, special celebrations and comparative vintage tastings.

Tastingbook's 100-point assessment is a composite score, distinct from an individual critic's rating. Other scores are attributed to their respective reviewers.

Opus One 2016 comprises five traditional Bordeaux grape varieties, with Cabernet Sauvignon forming 77% of the final blend.

• Cabernet Sauvignon: 77%
• Petit Verdot: 8%
• Merlot: 8%
• Cabernet Franc: 5%
• Malbec: 2%
• Skin Contact: 17 days
• Barrel Ageing: 18 months
• Oak: New French oak

Cabernet Sauvignon provides the wine's principal fruit expression and structural foundation, while Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec contribute to the complexity and balance of the blend.

Maturation in new French oak supports the integration of fruit, tannins and oak-derived complexity, contributing to its polished structure.

• Serving Temperature: Approximately 16–18°C.
• Glassware: A generous Bordeaux-style wine glass.
• Decanting: Taste upon opening. Consider 30–60 minutes of aeration if appropriate, adjusting according to bottle condition and aromatic development.
• Cellaring: Store horizontally in a consistently cool, dark and vibration-free environment, ideally around 12–15°C.
• Drinking Maturity: Developing to mature, with the potential for further ageing when properly stored.
• Occasions: Fine dining, collectors' tastings, milestone celebrations and Opus One verticals.

These recommendations are provided by Barrels & Beyond PH. Actual drinking condition and ageing performance depend on bottle provenance and storage.

The expressive dark fruit, polished tannins and savoury complexity of Opus One 2016 complement premium meat dishes, earthy preparations and aged cheeses.

• Prime Rib and Ribeye: Grilled or roasted premium cuts of beef.
• Beef Tenderloin: Roasted tenderloin with porcini mushrooms, truffle or red wine reduction.
• Braised Beef Short Ribs: Slow-cooked beef with rich, savoury sauces and herbs.
• Roasted Lamb: Herb-crusted rack of lamb with rosemary and garlic.
• Duck Breast: Pan-seared duck with a restrained dark-fruit reduction.
• Venison and Game: Preparations featuring juniper, thyme and mushrooms.
• Truffle and Wild Mushrooms: Porcini risotto, truffle pasta or roasted mushrooms.
• Aged Cheeses: Mature Comté, Gruyère, Parmigiano Reggiano and aged Cheddar.

These food pairings are suggested by Barrels & Beyond PH and are not official Opus One recommendations.

• Producer: Opus One Winery
• Vintage: 2016
• Wine Type: Red Wine
• Wine Style: Cabernet Sauvignon-led Bordeaux Blend
• Country: United States
• Region: Napa Valley, California
• Appellation: Oakville AVA
• Cabernet Sauvignon: 77%
• Petit Verdot: 8%
• Merlot: 8%
• Cabernet Franc: 5%
• Malbec: 2%
• Skin Contact: 17 days
• Barrel Ageing: 18 months
• Oak: New French oak
• Harvest: September 9 – October 12, 2016
• Winemaker: Michael Silacci
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Storage: Cool, dark and vibration-free wine cellar

Opus One was established through the historic collaboration between Baron Philippe de Rothschild, proprietor of Château Mouton Rothschild in Bordeaux, and Robert Mondavi, a pioneer of modern Napa Valley winemaking.

Their shared ambition was to create an exceptional Napa Valley wine by combining Bordeaux winemaking traditions with California's distinctive terroir.

Situated in the celebrated Oakville appellation, the estate includes vineyard parcels within the renowned To Kalon Vineyard, together with the Ballestra and River vineyard parcels.

Under the direction of winemaker Michael Silacci, Opus One has maintained a commitment to precise vineyard management, meticulous fruit selection and thoughtful winemaking.

The 2016 vintage stands as one of the estate's most acclaimed expressions, distinguished by its elegance, concentration, freshness and remarkable critical reception.