(Oakville, Napa Valley; Cabernet Sauvignon 80%, Cabernet Franc 6.5%, Petit Verdot 8%, Merlot 105%, and 3% Malbec; 14% alcohol; 100% new French oak; tasted in the Bordeaux offices of Opus One). A wine that has been on la place now since 2004. So lifted, light and aerial that it’s almost gravity-defying. Utterly glorious aromatically, with those lavender and rosemary notes and a subtle touch of violet. Walnut. A hint of sloe and damson. Blueberry. Blackberry. There’s grace and power here but all is in balance. Bold and ample in the mouth, but never quite pushing into the cheeks and with almost a slightly greater vertical range, such that it feels almost lozenge shape. The cedar notes in the mid-palate are divine already and the texture is incredible. We finish on dark chocolate coated violet. Et in arcadia ego!

The 2022 Opus One was tasted as a barrel sample. Deep garnet-purple in color, it soars with eager-to-go notes of blackcurrant pastilles, juicy blackberries, and plum preserves leading to hints of crushed rocks, tree bark, and Sichuan pepper. The full-bodied palate is concentrated and impactful, with a firm line of ripe, grainy tannins and bags of black fruit preserves layers, finishing with loads of savory nuances and a compelling lift.

Smoky, fragrant and powerful, this has clear intensity with tightly-grained tannins. With coaxing, the body of the wine softens to show chalky tannins, crushed rose petals and violet flowers, impressive delicacy to the aromatics despite the heat of this vintage. Great stuff, once again showing how Opus knows when to take the foot off the pedal, how to sverve towards grace. Picking was exceptionally early, coming on August 24 for the Merlot, as they reacted to the forecast for a big heat dome. Michael Silacci director.

Generous, with savory aromas of ripe blackcurrants and fresh black cherries and a gentle texture that shows a slight nip of tannin. It is well structured and a bit tight, which is normal for a young cabernet sauvignon-based red that’s a proven collectible. Gives up graphite and pencil shavings, some cocoa and espresso. Full-bodied. Spicy, toasty oak is really showing through right now. Best from 2028.

The 2022 Opus One is a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Malbec. Winemaker Michael Silacci explained that this vintage marked the earliest harvest ever at Opus One, beginning on 5 September. 'I saw a tsunami of heat coming, and I said we will pick.' Silacci added that the rush to harvest reminded him of a line in the song 'Umbrella' by Jay-Z and Rihanna: 'We fly higher than the weather, in G5's or better... in anticipation...' Given the heat dome that settled over Napa Valley, it seemed a wise decision. Deep ruby in colour with a purple-tawny rim in the glass, the aromas are high-toned with cassis and graphite and a cinnamon-dusted red berry character, nuanced by the woody, spicy aromas of freshly cut rose stems, balanced by fresh rose petals and dark chocolate. On the palate, it’s a creamy wine with a slightly more satin or velvet texture than the 2021 and a touch more sweetness in the berry fruit, balanced by the tannins' textural integrity. The finish is sweetly floral and softened by a lingering salty mineral quality. There’s a real brightness to this wine as it opens in the glass. - Jonathan Cristaldi