97+ Punkte Robert Parkers WINE ADVOCATE, Lisa Perrotti-Brown: “A blend of 77.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 8% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1.5% Malbec, the Opus One 2016 Proprietary Red Wine was recently bottled in July and August 2018. Very deep purple-black, the nose reveals profound notions of chocolate-covered cherries, crème de cassis, blueberry compote and licorice with touches of tobacco, cedar chest, Sichuan pepper, eucalyptus and violets. Full-bodied, super concentrated and packed with black and blue fruits, the palate is built like a brick house with firm, ripe, finely grained tannins and oodles of freshness, finishing long and perfumed. This a very decadent expression of Opus One with a provocatively effortless harmoniousness that is truly difficult to resist.”WINESPECTATOR, James Molesworth: “A focused, restrained style, with a steady beam of fresh red and black currant preserve flavors, laced with bay leaf, cedar and tobacco notes. An iron edge pierces the finish, while the fruit keeps pace. A bit more classically backward than its Oakville peers, so tuck this away in the cellar. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Best from 2020 through 2038. 21,900 cases made.”96+ Punkte VINOUS, Antonio Galloni: “The 2016 Opus One has turned out beautifully. In this mini-vertical, the 2016 most closely resembles the 2014, although it has more mid-palate sweetness and overall depth, along with a slightly darker profile. I expect the 2016 will enjoy a long drinking window that will start to open relatively soon. Of the last four vintages, the 2016 is certainly the most open-knit in the early going. The blend is 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 8% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec.”DECANTER, Stephen Brook: “Climatically, 2016 was a moderate year, with a cool summer and ample rainfall, and the wines turned out well. The blackberry-scented nose is intense and vibrant, while the palate is sleek and juicy, with ample body and more spice than usual. Although it seems to lack some weight and flesh now, it’s balanced and has a long, tannic finish, if slightly less forceful than expected.Drinking Window 2021 – 2035”18,5 Punkte JANCIS ROBINSON: “Moderate year. Sufficient rain in winter and then one inch of rain in April. Normal budbreak, a heat spike late June followed by a cooler July and normal August. There was a mild heat spike in early September. So, all in all a pretty good year. ?Gal next door vintage.? 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 8% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec. Bottled in July/August 2018.
Still quite crimson. Tense nose promises much. Very polished and suave. Very fresh and racy.”
99 Punkte JAMES SUCKLING: “Fantastic aromas that are complex and complete with blackcurrants, blueberries and herbs, such as basil and bay leaf. But always subtle. Full-bodied yet linear and very refined with a very persistent finish. It shows drive and brightness. So refined at the end. Needs at least three to five years to come together.”
98 Punkte DECANTER, Jane Anson: “Love the juiciness of this, right off the bat, rich deep black cherry rippling with menthol and eucalyptus notes, and these beautiful floral aromatics that Opus gets in the best years. A very classic style, touches of baked vanilla, rosemary and olive. Harvest 9th September to 12th October (starting off slowly then speeding up as the heat rose). 1% Malbec, 8% Petit Verdot completes the blend, 17 days skin contact.
This wine is perfect to accompany red meat main courses and game at a temperature of 16-18 ℃.
