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.
James Suckling (98)
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.
BOW (9)
Jancis Robinson (18)
A little sweeter than the Monte Bello 2011 tasted alongside initially but it finishes dry and appetising – and definitely has a bordeaux-like structure. Impressively long. (JR)
Falstaff (98)
Deep dark ruby colour, violet reflections, delicate edge brightening. Ripe black berry fruit, crème de cassis, nougat, sweet spices and some vanilla, very inviting bouquet. Powerful, black fruit of blackberries, cassis and sweet plums, firm but ripe tannins, finesse-rich acidity, shows very good length, chocolaty touch in the aftertaste, will continue to grow with maturity.
