The 2016 Opus One Proprietary Red Wine is a remarkable blend from Napa, California, showcasing the winemaking prowess of the renowned Opus One winery. The vintage is a sophisticated blend primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and a small percentage of Malbec, all contributing to its complex profile.
James Suckling awarded this wine an impressive 99 points, praising its "fantastic aromas" of blackcurrants, blueberries, and herbs, describing it as "full-bodied yet linear and very refined" with a "very persistent finish." He suggests that while it can be appreciated now, it would benefit from additional aging to fully express its potential.
Decanter and Robert Parker's Wine Advocate both rated this wine at 98 points. Decanter highlighted its "juiciness" and "beautiful floral aromatics," along with notes of "baked vanilla, rosemary and olive," capturing the elegance and classic style of Opus One in this vintage. Meanwhile, Lisa Perrotti-Brown from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate noted its "deep garnet-purple color" and the "layer upon layer of opulent stewed black fruit" that fill the palate, ending in a long finish with exotic spices.
Jeb Dunnuck awarded it 97 points, acknowledging the 2016 vintage as "magical for Napa Valley." He described the wine's "deep purple hue" and "beautiful bouquet" of black cherries and crème de cassis, with a Bordeaux-like structure and elegance.
Wine Spectator, with a score of 94, recognized its "focused, restrained style" with flavors of "red and black currant preserve" and a finish marked by an "iron edge."
With an alcohol content of 14.5% and a cork closure, this wine is crafted for those who appreciate rich, complex reds with the potential to age gracefully over the years. The 2016 Opus One is a testament to the exceptional quality of Napa Valley wines.