Opus One Napa Valley 2017

95 POINTS

Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW - Wine Advocate

Opus One had picked 91% of their fruit before the fires started in 2017, and only two lots were eliminated from consideration. The 2017 Opus One, bottled in July 2019, is a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8.5% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4.5% Merlot and 1% Malbec. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it slowly grows on the nose, revealing compelling notes of baked black cherries, mulberries, black raspberries, warm cassis and blackberry pie with nuances of spice cake, yeast extract, tapenade, licorice and dusty soil with a waft of wild sage. Medium-bodied, the palate has a lively skip in its step, featuring bags of juicy raspberry and cassis-laced fruit and a refreshing line, supported by ripe, plush tannins, finishing long and graceful.

95 POINTS

Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW - Wine Advocate

Michael Silacci informed me that over 90% of their 2017 crop was in before the October wildfires began. I did not pick up any sign of smoke taint in this barrel sample, which is composed of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot and 1% Malbec. Deep garnet-purple colored, the Opus One 2017 Proprietary Red Wine sings of crushed blackcurrants, wild blueberries and fresh Bing cherries with touches of pencil shavings, tar and aniseed plus wafts of bay leaves and cracked black pepper. Medium-bodied and solidly structured, the palate has wonderful energy with a lovely red and black fruit interplay, framed by chewy tannins, finishing with a compelling herbal lift.

95 POINTS

James Suckling

Lots of currant and floral notes on the nose. Hints of mint and spice. Medium-to full-bodied, round and savory with creamy, juicy tannins. Hints of citrus underneath. Bright, fresh and delicious. Drink or hold.

95 POINTS

Antonio Galloni MW - Vinous

A remarkable wine for the year, the 2017 Opus One is a dense, full-throttle beauty. Plush fruit and soft, silky contours give the 2017 its racy personality. Exotic, beautifully perfumed and impeccable in its balance, Opus One is one of the most complete wines of the vintage. In 2017, Opus One has a distinctly red-toned fruit profile that distinguishes it from the surrounding vintages.

94 POINTS

Stephen Brook - Decanter

August began cool but September saw record temperatures, followed by a cooler, rainy spell. So a mixed year overall. Although not yet bottled, this 2017 is open on the nose, with lush, juicy, vibrant blackcurrant and blackberry aromas, cut by a sprig of mint. The palate is equally stylish, sleek and intense, with tremendous concentration but with freshness too, ending with a very long, spicy, minty finish. Great potential.

93 POINTS

Wine Spectator

This features currant and plum fruit, with tobacco, loam and singed savory notes, maintaining range and driving through the finish. The structure is fine-grained, delivering a lingering hint of acidity. A more subtle expression of Cabernet. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Best from 2022 through 2036. 27,800 cases made.

93 POINTS

James Suckling

A beautifully fresh and clean young wine in barrel with redcurrants, red fruit and hints of hazelnuts. Full-bodied, round and layered. Chewy at the end. Shows potential.