2023 Opus One Napa Valley (MAGNUM)

(98 Points) The bouquet is utterly enticing, offering cool blue-fruit notes and a dusting of cocoa-powder freshness that stirs anticipation for the first sumptuous sip. On the palate, satiny richness unfolds, imbued with crunchy red cherry and juicy blackberry fruit, alongside refined sagebrush and tobacco nuances. There is a sense of intricately fine-knit tannins – compact yet impressively integrated at this youthful stage – framed by subtle, refined oak spice. The finish is long and mineral, marked by graphite and a touch of black sea salt. The wine was fermented entirely with native yeasts in stainless steel, with a portion aged in amphora in this vintage, before maturing for 19 months in 95% new French oak. The blend is rounded out by small additions of Malbec and Petit Verdot. In 2023, the vines were farmed regeneratively for the first time, with harvest completed by mid-October.  Decanter

Varietal Blend: 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec

The 2023 season opened with early rains, highlighted by a substantial storm ahead of budbreak. In total, 917 mm of rainfall fueled this growing season. Vineyard growth followed Estate averages: budbreak on April 12th, bloom on May 30th, and veraison on August 11th. Summer remained cool and without notable heat events. Harvest began September 14th and concluded October 16th. Fruit was brought in at an even pace, preserving freshness and balance.