Opus One 2022

Winery Background and History Opus One was founded in 1978 as a pioneering collaboration between Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild and Robert Mondavi, with the audacious vision of creating a world-class wine that blended New World richness with Old World finesse. The estate, located in Napa Valley’s Oakville AVA, has since become one of California’s most prestigious wineries, producing a singular Bordeaux-style blend that epitomizes elegance, depth and longevity. Opus One’s legacy is built on meticulous vineyard management, traditional winemaking, and a commitment to excellence that resonates globally. 

Producer and Winemaker Opus One Winery oversees every aspect of production from vine to bottle. Winemaking is led by Michael Silacci and the Opus One team, who combine scientific precision with stylistic intuition. Their philosophy emphasizes gentle extraction, balanced oak integration, and harmonious expression of site and vintage characteristics. Silacci’s approach maintains the estate’s signature profile—refined texture, layered complexity, and structural balance—while adapting to the nuances of each vintage. Sustainable farming practices and rigorous selection contribute to the wine’s consistency and depth. 

Vineyards and Micro Climate The grapes for Opus One are sourced from the estate’s meticulously farmed vineyards in Oakville, Napa Valley, California. The region’s warm Mediterranean climate, significant diurnal temperature shifts and well-drained alluvial soils of gravel and loam allow for optimal ripening of Cabernet Sauvignon and its blending partners. The combination of sunshine and cool nights preserves acidity while developing concentrated flavors. The Oakville AVA’s terroir—renowned for producing structured, ageworthy wines—plays a defining role in the wine’s aromatic intensity, ripe fruit profile and refined tannin framework. 

Vinification & Aging Methods Opus One’s vinification begins with careful hand harvesting followed by fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve varietal purity and aromatic complexity. Extended maceration enhances structure and color, with gentle punch-downs and pump-overs to extract balanced tannins. After primary fermentation, the wine is aged for approximately 18–20 months in new French oak barrels, providing depth, spice and oak nuance without overpowering fruit expression. The final blend is assembled late in the maturation cycle to ensure harmony and longevity. 

Tasting Notes The 2022 Opus One presents a deep, garnet hue with vibrant edges. The nose unfolds with expressive aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, violet and plum, layered with graphite, spice, cigar box and subtle floral accents. On the palate it is medium-to-full-bodied with polished tannins, showcasing ripe dark fruit, cedar, espresso and mineral undertones. The palate displays refined structure and fine depth, culminating in a long, elegant finish with lingering notes of dark fruit, spice and savory complexity. 

Food and Wine Pairing Pair Opus One 2022 with rich and savory dishes that match its depth and structure. Ideal matches include dry-aged ribeye or filet mignon with red wine reduction, braised short ribs, lamb rack with rosemary jus, wild mushroom risotto and aged hard cheeses like Comté or Manchego. Its elegant tannins and layered complexity also harmonize with truffle-infused dishes and herb-crusted game. 

Service Methods and Temperatures Serve at 16–18 °C (60–65 °F) after decanting for 1.5–2 hours to allow the wine to open and release its aromatic layers fully. Use large, Bordeaux-style glasses to concentrate complexity and support the wine’s structure. Avoid overly cold temperatures that mute expression; slightly warmer service enhances depth and texture. 

Storage and Aging Potential Store in a cool, dark environment with stable temperature (12–14 °C) and moderate humidity, away from vibration and light. Opus One 2022 has excellent aging potential, with optimal drinking windows from 2030 through at least 2045 when cellared properly. Extended aging develops tertiary complexity—earth, leather, cedar and tobacco—while maintaining fruit vibrancy and structural balance. 

Grape Varietals & percentage used Blend composition typically includes ≈80–86 % Cabernet Sauvignon, ≈8 % Petit Verdot, 4–6.5 % Cabernet Franc, 5 % Merlot, ≈0.5–1 % Malbec (percentages may vary slightly by source). 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume) ~14.0–14.2 % 

Scores

Decanter: 97

James Suckling: 96

Robert Parker – Wine Advocate: 95

Jeb Dunnuck: 94

Wine Spectator: 92