Opus One 2018 is one of the most critically acclaimed modern vintages of this prestigious Napa Valley estate, receiving 99 points from James Suckling, 98 points from The Wine Advocate and Decanter, and 97 points from Jeb Dunnuck. Tastingbook also awards the vintage a 99-point composite rating.

An exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon-led Bordeaux-style red wine from Oakville, Napa Valley, Opus One 2018 embodies the partnership between Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild and Robert Mondavi, combining the winemaking traditions of Bordeaux with the distinctive terroir of California.

The 2018 vintage benefited from remarkably favourable growing conditions, with mild temperatures, timely rainfall and an extended ripening period that allowed the fruit to develop beautifully balanced flavours and aromatics.

The resulting wine is celebrated for its remarkable elegance, precision and harmony. Generous aromas of blackberry, cassis and black cherry are complemented by delicate notes of violet, rose petals and white pepper, creating a deeply expressive and sophisticated bouquet.

On the palate, concentrated black-fruit flavours unfold alongside accents of orange zest, liquorice and dark chocolate. Smooth, rounded tannins and vibrant acidity create a luxurious, creamy mouthfeel, carrying the wine into a long and persistent finish.

Composed of five traditional Bordeaux grape varieties, Opus One 2018 underwent 18 days of skin contact followed by 17 months of maturation in 100% new French oak barrels.

Celebrated for its purity, floral complexity, fine-grained tannins and outstanding balance, Opus One 2018 is an exceptional expression of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and a compelling vintage for collectors and fine wine enthusiasts.

The 2018 growing season offered exceptionally favourable conditions in Napa Valley, characterised by consistent weather and relatively mild temperatures.

Although the beginning of the year was notably dry, rainfall arrived shortly before budbreak, providing essential water reserves for healthy canopy development throughout the growing season.

Favourable weather during flowering and fruit set contributed to higher-than-average yields at the estate.

While the season began somewhat later than usual, veraison occurred only seven days behind the historical average, giving the fruit sufficient time to achieve balanced ripeness and develop complex flavour profiles.

Harvest commenced on September 19, 2018, and proceeded at a measured, consistent pace until the final fruit arrived at the winery on October 25, 2018.

The combination of favourable weather, extended ripening and careful fruit selection resulted in a wine of remarkable aromatic expression, freshness and structural harmony.

Aroma: Expressive aromas of blackberry, cassis and black cherry are joined by elegant floral notes of violet and rose petals, complemented by subtle white pepper.

Palate: Fresh, concentrated black-fruit flavours develop in beautifully integrated layers, accented by orange zest, liquorice and dark chocolate.

Texture: Smooth, rounded tannins combine with vibrant acidity to produce a soft, creamy mouthfeel and refined structure.

Finish: Long and persistent, with lingering dark-fruit complexity, freshness and elegantly integrated tannins.

Structure: Exceptionally harmonious, combining ripe fruit, lifted floral aromatics, polished tannins and balanced acidity.

Ageing Potential: The vintage's balance of concentrated fruit, acidity and tannic structure supports further evolution under appropriate cellaring conditions.

The characteristics above reflect the winery's original vintage notes. Individual bottles may develop additional complexity with ageing, depending on provenance and storage conditions.

Opus One 2018 ranks among the most highly regarded modern releases from the estate, achieving exceptional scores from leading international wine critics and publications.

• 99 Points — James Suckling: Recognised for its expressive floral aromatics, dark berries, graphite and exceptionally refined tannins. Suckling particularly praises the wine's extraordinary polish, balance and persistence.
• 98 Points — The Wine Advocate: Lisa Perrotti-Brown highlights its impressive concentration of dark fruit, layered aromatic complexity, firm tannins and remarkable freshness.
• 98 Points — Decanter: Acclaimed for its concentrated fruit, vibrant acidity, plush tannins and precise, elegant texture, with an excellent balance between richness and restraint.
• 97 Points — Jeb Dunnuck: Praised for its classic Cabernet character, exceptional purity, refined tannins and outstanding balance, with considerable potential for long-term ageing.
• 99 Points — Tastingbook: A 99-point composite evaluation, placing the vintage among the estate's highest-rated wines on the platform.

The 2018 vintage is particularly distinguished by its floral elegance, beautifully polished tannins and the seamless integration of dark fruit, freshness and structure.

Its exceptional critical reception and impressive cellaring potential make Opus One 2018 a highly desirable selection for collectors, special celebrations, fine dining and comparative vintage tastings.

Tastingbook's rating represents a composite evaluation and is distinct from an individual wine critic's score. Other ratings are attributed to their respective reviewers.

Opus One 2018 is composed of five traditional Bordeaux grape varieties, with Cabernet Sauvignon accounting for 84% of the final blend.

• Cabernet Sauvignon: 84%
• Petit Verdot: 6%
• Merlot: 5%
• Cabernet Franc: 4%
• Malbec: 1%
• Skin Contact: 18 days
• Barrel Ageing: 17 months
• Oak: 100% new French oak

Cabernet Sauvignon contributes the wine's principal fruit character, structure and depth, while Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec complete the assemblage.

Following 18 days of skin contact, the wine matured for 17 months in new French oak barrels, complementing the vintage's intense fruit with elegant structural integration.

The resulting wine reflects the balance of concentration, freshness, texture and aromatic refinement that characterises the Opus One house style.

• Serving Temperature: Approximately 16–18°C to highlight the wine's expressive fruit, floral aromas and balanced structure.
• Glassware: Serve in a generous Bordeaux-style wine glass to allow the layered aromas to develop.
• Decanting: Taste upon opening. If additional aeration is beneficial, consider approximately 30–60 minutes, adjusting according to the bottle's condition and development.
• Cellaring: Store horizontally in a consistently cool, dark and vibration-free environment, ideally around 12–15°C.
• Drinking Maturity: Developing beautifully with bottle age, with the potential for further cellaring under appropriate storage conditions.
• Serving Occasion: Fine dining, milestone celebrations, wine collecting, curated tasting experiences and comparative Opus One vertical tastings.

As the wine develops with bottle age, its aromatic character and structure may continue to evolve. Evaluate each bottle upon opening and adjust aeration accordingly.

These serving and cellaring recommendations are provided by Barrels & Beyond PH as supplementary guidance rather than official Opus One instructions.

With its expressive dark fruit, refined tannins and vibrant acidity, Opus One 2018 complements premium meat dishes, savoury preparations and carefully aged cheeses.

• Prime Rib and Ribeye: Grilled or roasted premium beef, including richly flavoured dry-aged cuts.
• Beef Tenderloin: Roasted tenderloin with porcini mushrooms, black truffle or a classic red wine reduction.
• Braised Beef Short Ribs: Slow-cooked beef with aromatic herbs and concentrated savoury sauces.
• Roasted Lamb: Herb-crusted rack of lamb or slow-roasted lamb with rosemary, garlic and thyme.
• Duck Breast: Pan-seared duck with a restrained blackberry or black cherry reduction.
• Venison and Game: Refined game dishes complemented by juniper, mushrooms and earthy herbs.
• Truffle and Wild Mushrooms: Porcini risotto, truffle-infused pasta and roasted wild mushrooms.
• Aged Cheeses: Mature Comté, aged Gruyère, Parmigiano Reggiano and mature Cheddar.

The wine's elegant texture and floral complexity also favour dishes with balanced seasoning rather than excessively sweet or spicy sauces.

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

• Producer: Opus One Winery
• Official Product Name: Opus One 2018
• Vintage: 2018
• Wine Type: Red Wine
• Wine Style: Cabernet Sauvignon-led Bordeaux Blend
• Country: United States
• State: California
• Region: Napa Valley
• Estate Vineyard Location: Oakville AVA
• Cabernet Sauvignon: 84%
• Petit Verdot: 6%
• Merlot: 5%
• Cabernet Franc: 4%
• Malbec: 1%
• Skin Contact: 18 days
• Barrel Ageing: 17 months
• Oak: 100% new French oak
• Harvest Period: September 19 – October 25, 2018
• Winemaker: Michael Silacci
• Recommended Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
• Cellaring: Suitable for further development under proper storage conditions
• Storage: Cool, dark and vibration-free wine cellar

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

Their shared vision was to create an exceptional Napa Valley red wine by bringing together the traditions of Bordeaux and the distinctive terroir of California.

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

Under the direction of winemaker Michael Silacci, Opus One combines meticulous vineyard management, careful fruit selection and thoughtful vinification to produce wines of elegance, precision and remarkable ageing potential.

The 2018 vintage is a particularly distinguished expression of this philosophy, capturing the benefits of an exceptionally harmonious growing season in a wine celebrated for its floral complexity, polished tannins, balanced acidity and exceptional critical acclaim.