Opus One 2021
“The Napa 2021s are aromatic, refined and wonderfully expressive.”
Antonio Galloni
Opus One chose not to produce any wine in 2020, due to the well-publicised wildfires, which makes the 2021 being released on Monday the first new vintage from the winery in two years. With 100 points from Jane Anson, a potentially perfect (98-100) point score from Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, and a massive 99-points from James Suckling, we anticipate this being a sell out.
Napa Valley 2021s are reason for excitement. As Antonio Galloni writes, “After the brutal 2020 vintage, Napa Valley fans will be thrilled to start exploring the 2021s. The 2021s are aromatic, refined and wonderfully expressive. I found many wines to be truly exceptional both in terms of quality and what seems to be a more finessed approach than in the past, something that is evident at many estates.”
This is the rare opportunity to purchase an excellent vintage of an iconic wine at the price of a good one. Secure your stocks now.
Price: £1,500 per 6 bottle case (IB)
“93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, 0.5% Merlot, 0.5% Malbec. Aged for 19 ½ months in new French oak barrels. A limpid and alluring Opus One, inviting exploration into aromas of dark berries and cherries, violets, and minerals. Michael Silacci has overseen a bespoke Opus One that perfectly captures the potential of 2021. On the palate, it delivers depth and power without heaviness, with finely sculpted tannins that evoke the quality of a First Growth whilst retaining a distinct Napa identity. Difficult to spit, the 2021 will have immediate appeal on release for the impatient but will reward attentive cellaring for decades. Drink 2027-2057.”
Martin Tickle, Fine Wine Buyer, Jeroboams
“A classical vintage that perfectly suits the Opus style. Gorgeous vivid plum colour, sculpted, balanced, with a ton of lift, waves of rose petals, iris and peony, soft grilled cumin, sage and white pepper spice. Love the hidden power here and the supple slightly chalky tannins that are structured in their architecture with a precision and carved quality. Precise, layered and stretched out, a brilliant Opus, concentrated and yet delicate. Feels pared back and captures the spirit of early Opus, when it moved forward the conversation of what Napa could be. Michael Silacci director, 100% new oak for ageing extremely well integrated even now.“
100 points, Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
“The 2021 Opus One is composed of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, and 0.5% each of Merlot and Malbec. It was bottled in July 2023. Deep garnet-purple in color, it comes barreling out of the glass with gregarious notions of creme de cassis, wild blueberries, and redcurrant jelly followed by hints of cedar chest, sassafras, vanilla pod, and dark chocolate plus a waft of lilacs. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers shimmery red, black, and blue fruit layers with a firm texture of rounded tannins and impressive tension, finishing long and fragrant.”
98-100 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW
“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.”
99 points, James Suckling