Opus One Napa Valley 2022

96-98 points International Wine Report: "The 2022 Opus One is absolutely sensational. It opens with a captivating aromatic profile that showcases lush blackberries, vibrant blackcurrants, and succulent black plums, beautifully complemented by floral notes of violets and spring flowers. Rich aromas of pipe tobacco and fresh herbs, particularly sage, intermingle with hints of spices, while subtle undertones of graphite and gravel hint at the wine’s mineral character. On the palate, this medium to full-bodied Cabernet is polished and refined, featuring a ripe, sweet core that is both concentrated and invigorating. The freshness and lively acidity enhance the wine's complexity, ensuring a harmonious balance that carries through to a delightful finish, leaving lingering impressions of dark fruit and mineral nuances. This wine is a remarkable achievement in a challenging vintage, showcasing the exceptional attention to detail and craftsmanship of the winemaking team at Opus One. The 2022 is already showing beautifully and poised to be accessible at release, while also promising for remarkable evolution over the years to come. Drink: 2025-2050. (Nov 2024)"

97 points Jonathan Cristaldi (Decanter): "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 pick ever at Opus One, beginning on 5 September. 'I saw a tsunami of heat coming and said we will pick.' Silacci added that the rush to pick 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...' And given the heat dome that settled over Napa Valley, it seemed a wise decision—deep ruby 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 just-cut rose stems balanced by fresh rose petals and dark chocolate. On the palate, it's a creamy wine with a bit more satin or velvet texture than the 2021, and a touch more sweetness in the berry fruit, but balanced by the textural integrity of the tannins. The finish is sweetly floral and tamed by a salty mineral quality that lingers. There's a real brightness to this wine as it opens in the glass. Drinking Window: 2025-2040. (8/2/24)"

95-97 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (The Wine Independent): "The 2022 Opus One was tasted as a barrel sample. Deep garnet-purple in color, it soars with eager-to-go notes of blackcurrant pastilles, juicy blackberries, and plum preserves leading to hints of crushed rocks, tree bark, and Sichuan pepper. The full-bodied palate is concentrated and impactful, with a firm line of ripe, grainy tannins and bags of black fruit preserves layers, finishing with loads of savory nuances and a compelling lift. Alcohol 13.9%. Drink: 2027-2053. (6/12/24)"

96 points Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux): "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. Alcohol 14.2%. Drink: 2030-2045. (6/18/25)"

96 points Jim Gordon (JamesSuckling.com): "Generous, with savory aromas of ripe blackcurrants and fresh black cherries and a gentle texture that shows a slight nip of tannin. It is well structured and a bit tight, which is normal for a young cabernet sauvignon-based red that’s a proven collectible. Gives up graphite and pencil shavings, some cocoa and espresso. Full-bodied. Spicy, toasty oak is really showing through right now. Best from 2028. (7/30/25)"

94 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2022 Opus One shows the sunny, perfumed style of the vintage. Black raspberries, smoked tobacco, incense, and spicy wood notes all define the aromatics, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a supple, layered mouthfeel, velvety tannins, and a great finish. I’ve been lucky enough to do many retrospectives of this wine, so I have no doubt it will evolve gracefully for a solid two decades. Drink: 2025-2045. (1/8/25)"