In Bond Fine Wine. 2018 Mondavi & Rothschild Opus One, Oakville, California, USA. Red usa-california in 6x75cl. Top critic score: 98/100 (LPB). Drinking window: 2021+. Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
Originally a joint venture of the Rothschild family of Mouton Rothschild and Robert Mondavi, marrying the power and richness of Napa fruit with the elegance of Bordeaux. This Californian First Growth is hot property every vintage on release and when available.
James Molesworth (JM) — 94/100 · Wine Spectator, 31/10/2021 · Drink 2021-2036
The fruit is decidedly restrained in style, without the vivid punch typical of the vintage, but the gently mulled currant, cherry and bitter plum flavors are well-delineated and persistent, while notable savory, thyme and tobacco leaf notes play a prominent role alongside. There's a racy beam of acidity piercing through it all and a lingering iron note on the finish. An excellent example of the s…
Jeb Dunnuck (JD) — 97/100 · JebDunnuck.com, 30/04/2021 · Drink 2025 - 2057
The 2018 Opus One is a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, and the rest Merlot and Cabernet Franc. This deep purple-hued effort leans to lively, fresher side of the vintage but has a brilliant, utterly classic style in its creme de cassis and blue-tinged fruit as well as notes of lead pencil, candied violets, damp earth, and chocolate-like nuances. With a Pomerol-like elegance and p…
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW (LPB) — 98/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 26/02/2021 · Drink 2024 - 2058
Very deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Opus One soars out of the glass with bright, bold boysenberries, warm cassis and ripe, juicy black plums notes, plus emerging nuances of lilacs, oolong tea, cinnamon stick, tilled soil and black truffles. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with tightly wound layers of crunchy black fruits, supported by firm, grainy tannins and fantastic freshnes…