September 2, 2024
Opus One 2021 Release
Opus One 2021 - Brand new 100-pointed Release
"A classical vintage that perfectly suits the Opus style."
- 100 points, Jane Anson
There was no Opus One 2020 last year following Opus’s decision not to release the wine due to the wildfires. Now, with the 2021 release hitting a perfect 100-point score from Jane Anson, there's real excitement about the new release.
This vintage not only marks a comeback but also epitomizes Opus One's recent stylistic evolution towards a more refined and elegant profile, marrying European finesse with the robust fruit and intensity that Napa Valley is renowned for.
For those who don't know, the birth of Opus One dates back to a fateful meeting in 1970 between two figures of monumental stature within the wine community: Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Chateau Mouton Rothschild and Robert Mondavi, a pioneer in Californian wine. Their united vision was to craft a singular Bordeaux-style blend based on Napa Valley's most expressive and high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon. The success of the wine is on par with those of Bordeaux First Growths.
Jane Anson praises the 2021 release for its "hidden power" and delicate balance of spice and floral notes, making it a standout in restraint and elegance. Meanwhile, Antonio Galloni has given it his highest score yet at 97 points, calling it "absolutely gorgeous and incredibly promising." Jeb Dunnuck anticipates a bright future for this classic Napa Cabernet, projecting an evolution over the next two decades.
Opus One is arguably one of the most exciting of the September releases and coming in at €295 IB per bottle, the price is incredibly attractive, providing an incentive to buy it now.
The wine is currently live on our website and can be purchased. With limited stock on the website, we advise Opus One fans to add a case to their collection sooner rather than later!
Opus One 2021
Release price €295 In Bond per bottle (September 2024)
100 Points | Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux
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.
98 Points | The Wine Independent, Lisa Perrotti-Brown
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 Points | Decanter, Jonathan Cristaldi
The 2021 Opus One is a blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, and half a percent each of Malbec and Merlot. It was aged up to 19 months in 100% new French oak. It's a seamless wine with balletic elegance and grace. From a deep ruby-crimson colour comes heady red and violet floral notes, sandalwood, and rich brown spices nuanced by graphite and dried sagebrush. Medium to full-bodied with ultrafine-grained tannins, almost powdery, with gorgeous cranberry and raspberry fruits and a kind of juicy, woody, crushed pomegranate seed character. You really can't believe how light and ephemeral this wine is.
96-99 Points | Jeb Dunnuck
More in the structured style of the 2018 as opposed to the voluptuous style of the 2019, the 2021 Opus One is another riveting wine from this estate. Pure cassis, graphite, chocolate, and nicely integrated oak, as well as an undeniable sense of minerality, all emerge from the glass, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, building tannins, wonderful purity and precision, and a great finish. This is a classic Napa Valley Cabernet in the making, and it's going to evolve for 20-25 years if well stored.