In Bond Fine Wine. 2019 Mondavi & Rothschild Opus One, Oakville, California, USA. Red usa-california in 6x75cl. Top critic score: 98/100 (JA). Drinking window: 2022+. 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.
Jeb Dunnuck (JD) — 96–98/100 · JebDunnuck.com, 30/04/2021
Similarly ruby/purple-hued, the 2019 Opus One is cut from the same cloth as the 2018 yet has a touch more baby fat and opulence, at least as this stage. Beautiful black raspberry, cassis, toasted spice, lead pencil, and subtle oak all make an appearance, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a rounded, layered mouthfeel, impressive tannins, and a great finish. I don't think it has the same precisi…
James Molesworth (JM) — 95/100 · Wine Spectator, 28/07/2022 · Drink 2022-2038
Elegantly styled, despite some serious heft, this offers a mix of alluring mulberry, griotte and cassis notes bearing a gently mulled edge, while flashes of apple wood, sweet bay leaf and red tea flicker along the edges. Very refined in feel, with seamless structure extending the finish so the fruit can linger. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Drink now through…
James Suckling (JS) — 99/100 · JamesSuckling.com, 19/04/2022 · Drink 2028+
The purity of fruit is really something else here, with currants and fresh flowers, such as violets and roses. Flower stems as well. Fantastic length and structure to the wine, with tightness and focus. Wonderful fruit. Graceful. A blend of 78% cabernet sauvignon, 8% merlot, 7% petit verdot, 6% cabernet franc and 1% malbec. Try after 2028.