Opus One 2021

99 POINTS

Peter Moser - Falstaff Magazine

Deep dark ruby garnet with purple reflections and a touch of edge brightening. Dark forest berries are underlaid on the nose by some precious wood spice, notes of cassis and candied violets, with a delicate vanilla and nougat note and a hint of nutmeg. Liquorice and chocolate provide plenty of substance on the palate, which has a salty minerality and good freshness to go with ripe, supporting tannins. The taut minerality and delicate fruit give length and hint at certain ageing potential for many years. Already dangerously seductive today. (PM 10/2024).

99 POINTS

Jim Gordon James Suckling

An enticing aroma of violets, cherry blossoms, fresh blue and black fruit and great structure define this beautiful, age-worthy wine. Subtle layering of fruit and oak spices between firm, fine-grained and supportive tannins gives it a calm intensity. So elegant and polished. Hints of cinnamon and graphite accent blackcurrant and blueberry flavors that linger and grow in a long finish. Already attractive to drink, but best after 2029.

98 POINTS

Jonathan Cristaldi - Decanter

The 2021 Opus One is a blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, and half a percent each of Malbec and Merlot. It was aged up to 19 months in 100% new French oak. It's a seamless wine with balletic elegance and grace. From a deep ruby-crimson colour comes heady red and violet floral notes, sandalwood, and rich brown spices nuanced by graphite and dried sagebrush. Medium to full-bodied with ultrafine-grained tannins, almost powdery, with gorgeous cranberry and raspberry fruits and a kind of juicy, woody, crushed pomegranate seed character. You really can't believe how light and ephemeral this wine is.

97 POINTS

Antonio Galloni MW - Vinous

The 2021 Opus One is one of the most elegant, polished Opus Ones in recent memory. Pliant and supple, with super-refined tannins, the 2021 has a ton to offer. It boasts gorgeous textural depth and resonance, not to mention superb balance. Dark red/purplish fruit, flowers, spice and mint caress the palate, framed by silky, ripe tannins that are the hallmark of a superior vintage. I can't wait to see how the 2021 develops. This is a stellar showing, certainly the best so far.

97 POINTS

Antonio Galloni MW - Vinous

The 2021 Opus One is absolutely gorgeous. Vibrant, layered and quite sensual in feel, the 2021 possesses the concentration and depth of years such as 2013 and 2010 but with more polished tannins. Dark red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal, mint and a touch of cinnamon open gracefully. Sweet floral notes extend the mid-palate into the finish, where silky tannins wrap it all together. The 2021 is an incredibly promising Opus One.

95 POINTS

Antonio Galloni MW - Vinous

The 2021 Opus One is dark, powerful and super-concentrated. Lavender, rose petal, dark cherry, plum, mocha and gravel race across the palate. Still very much a youngster, the 2021 is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine. All the elements are so well balanced for a young Opus One out of barrel. There's real palate presence and weight here.