The 2021 Opus One Proprietary Red Wine is a distinguished blend from the renowned Napa region in California. Crafted primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, with small percentages of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Malbec, this wine showcases the meticulous artistry of the Opus One estate. Aged for up to 19 months in 100% new French oak, it presents with a deep ruby-crimson color and a complex bouquet.
James Suckling awarded this vintage an impressive 99 points, highlighting its "elegant and polished" nature, with aromas of violets, cherry blossoms, and a structure defined by fine-grained tannins. He describes it as "already attractive to drink, but best after 2029," suggesting its potential for aging.
Decanter also praised the 2021 Opus One, scoring it 98 points and noting its "balletic elegance and grace." Their review appreciates the wine's "ultrafine-grained tannins" and the balance of cranberry, raspberry, and pomegranate flavors.
Jeb Dunnuck calls it "one of the finest wines made from this estate," giving it a 97-point rating. He emphasizes its "complex, nuanced, textured, and beautifully balanced" profile, predicting a 30-year lifespan for prime drinking.
The Wine Independent echoes these sentiments, also awarding 98 points, and describing a "long and fragrant" finish with flavors of creme de cassis, wild blueberries, and redcurrant jelly.
Vinous lauds the 2021 Opus One as "absolutely gorgeous," comparing its concentration and depth to previous strong vintages. With a score of 97 points, they highlight the wine's vibrant and sensual qualities.
Wine Spectator provides a slightly lower score of 95 points but still acknowledges its "lovely range and good energy," with a nod to its "old-school tilt" and potential for graceful aging.
Overall, the 2021 Opus One is a celebrated and sophisticated wine, poised to evolve beautifully with time.