Opus One, Napa Valley 2013

The greatest Opus ever. Terrific aromas of crushed black currants, blueberries and flowers with hints of sweet tobacco. Roses continue to exude opulence and class. Full body, superb balance of ultra-fine tannins and vibrant acidity. Complex aftertaste of black fruits and citrus fruit. Extremely persistent. So approachable now and enjoyable. But will be even better in 2019 and beyond. 79% cabernet sauvignon, 7% cabernet franc, 6% merlot, 6% petit verdot, 2% malbec. This will always be beautiful to drink.

A legendary vintage at Opus, and this remains an extremely impressive wine at 12 years old. Expect black olive paste, bilberry and cassis, richly nuanced with juicy stone fruits and cherry pit, fragrant, still barely getting going, drawn out on the finish. A great example of a vintage that could be drunk now, and no doubt is being drunk by many collectors, but which will richly reward further patience. A note on my 100 point score by the way - this vintage is extremely different to the 2021, which also got my top score, so please be aware - this is exceptional opulence, whereas the 2021 is exceptional classicism. Harvest September 5 to October 8. 100% new oak for ageing, Michael Silacci director. 18 days skin contact.

Deep garnet colored, the 2013 Opus One needs a little swirling before exploding with preserved black and blue fruits—blueberry compote, blackberry pie and blackcurrant cordial—giving way to notes of unsmoked cigars, new leather, beef drippings and menthol with wafts of roasted rosemary and rose oil. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is both powerful and ethereal, charged with energy and backed up by profound black fruits, supported with plush tannins and seamless freshness, finishing very long and beautifully perfumed.

The 2013 Opus One is a powerful, dense wine. A blast of dark-fleshed fruit, leather, spice, tobacco, menthol and licorice races across the palate. The 2013 still possesses notable textural depth. The aromatics are a bit open and also suggestive of a wine that has entered its first plateau of maturity.