Opus One Napa Valley 2018

99 points James Suckling: "Extremely perfumed and floral with lavender, lilacs and violets to the sweet, ripe berries, such as blackberries and blackcurrants. Some slate and graphite, too. It’s full-bodied, yet ever so balanced and refined, with super fine tannins that last for minutes. Fresh herbs, such as bay leaf and lemon grass highlight the dark fruit. The quality of tannin is exquisite with wonderful polish and refinement. Lasts for minutes. So wonderful to taste now, but better after 2026. (9/6/21)"

99 points International Wine Report: "The 2018 Opus One is nothing short of fantastic in this vintage. Composed of Cabernet Sauvignon 84%, Petit Verdot 6%, Merlot 5%, Cabernet Franc 4% and Malbec 1% this begins to seduce with aromatics of fresh crushed blackberries, dark currants and hints of blueberries, which are laced with fresh florals, dark chocolate, graphite, peppery herbs and a touch of loam soil that all coming together beautifully in the glass. On the palate this possesses a gorgeous medium-plus to full body that shows wonderful elegance and finesse. It continues to impress with its incredible overall balance, focus and structure, as beautifully polished tannins that frame its core of remarkably fresh dark berry fruits that resonate through the long, graceful finish. This is a simply gorgeous release from Opus One and Michael Silacci and while it is already stunning today, it also displays the character to age for decades to come. Drink: 2021-2050. (Aug 2021)"

98 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate): "Very deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Opus One soars out of the glass with bright, bold boysenberries, warm cassis and ripe, juicy black plums notes, plus emerging nuances of lilacs, oolong tea, cinnamon stick, tilled soil and black truffles. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with tightly wound layers of crunchy black fruits, supported by firm, grainy tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing with lifted fruitiness and on a lingering mineral note. Drink: 2024-2058. (Feb 2021)"

98 points Georgina Hindle (Decanter): "Power and concentration from the start but with a lovely vein of cool blue fruits and an invigoratingly fresh core. Dark chocolate, coffee, blueberries and pomegranate combine to give a seductive nose and follow through on the palate with an immediate burst of juicy acidity and plush tannins. Layered and nuanced, the texture is striking, elegant and precise with juice that his the side of the mouth supported by oak spice that gently frames the overall feeling giving balance. Abundant in a sense but also reigned in making you want another glass straight away. 80% wild yeast fermentation for the first time as of the 2018 vintage. Drinking Window: 2024-2040. Alcohol 14.0%. (Jul 2021)"

97 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2018 Opus One is a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, and the rest Merlot and Cabernet Franc. This deep purple-hued effort leans to lively, fresher side of the vintage but has a brilliant, utterly classic style in its crème de cassis and blue-tinged fruit as well as notes of lead pencil, candied violets, damp earth, and chocolate-like nuances. With a Pomerol-like elegance and purity, it's medium to full-bodied and has wonderful tannins, flawless balance, and a great finish. It plays in the finesse-driven end of the spectrum yet is concentrated and seamless, with serious length. It offers pleasure today but should benefit from 4-5 years in the cellar, and my money is on it evolving for 30 years or more. Drink: 2025-2057. (4/31/21)"

95 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous) (Jan 2021)