2022 Opus One Cabernet Blend Napa Valley

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 pick ever at Opus One, beginning on 5 September. 'I saw a tsunami of heat coming and said we will pick.' Silacci added that the rush to pick reminded him of a line in the song 'Umbrella' by Jay-Z and Rihanna: 'We fly higher than the weather, in G5S or better... in anticipation...' And given the heat dome that settled over Napa Valley, it seemed a wise decision—deep ruby color 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 just-cut rose stems balanced by fresh rose petals and dark chocolate. On the palate, it's a creamy wine with a bit more satin or velvet texture than the 2021, and a touch more sweetness in the berry fruit, but balanced by the textural integrity of the tannins. The finish is sweetly floral and tamed by a salty mineral quality that lingers. There's a real brightness to this wine as it opens in the glass. ~97 Decanter

~95-97 - The Wine Independent

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, as well as some cocoa and espresso. Full-bodied. Spicy, toasty oak is really showing through right now. Best from 2028. ~ 96 James Suckling

Picked before, during and after the year's early September heat, the 2022 Opus One—a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 6.5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot and 0.5% Malbec—admirably reflects the vintage, boasting a ripe, extroverted personality but also a slightly open-knit, coarser mouthfeel than either the 2021 or 2023. Rosemary and sandalwood notes accent cherries on the nose, while the medium- to full-bodied palate is expansive and plush, finishing with ample length and soft tannins. ~95 Wine Advocate

Very pretty, elegant, and seamless, the 2022 Opus One offers a terrific perfume of red and black fruits intermixed with fresh flowers and assorted baking and woody spices. It's medium to full-bodied on the palate, has a fresh, elegant, lively mouthfeel, fine tannins, and a great finish. It's an incredibly successful, pure, seamless 2022 that will evolve beautifully over the coming 15-20 years. Drink 2025-2045. ~94 Jeb Dunnuck