Region: California
Sub Region: Oakville, Napa Valley
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec
Country: United States
Vintage: 2023
The Wine
Created by Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild and Napa Valley pioneer Robert Mondavi, Opus One brings Bordeaux discipline to the generosity of Oakville. Its estate comprises four western Oakville vineyard parcels, including two within the historic To Kalon Vineyard.
The 2023 growing season was long and remarkably even. Substantial winter rainfall replenished the soils, while a cool summer without significant heat events allowed flavour, tannin and acidity to develop together. Harvest took place from 14 September to 16 October, preserving the vintage’s freshness and aromatic lift.
The blend is 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec. Following 22 days of skin contact, the wine matured for 19 months in French oak. Red and blackcurrant, cassis and plum are layered with cherry blossom, dried violet, graphite, tobacco, forest floor, vanilla and dark chocolate. Its considerable structure is carried by exceptionally fine tannins and a mineral, quietly persistent finish.
Pre-arrival offer: This wine has been secured through La Place de Bordeaux, with delivery expected in May–June 2027. Pricing will increase once the wine arrives in Australia. All La Place wines offered by Cellared Fine Wine are from confirmed allocations and have already been paid for in full. If this wine is marked sold out, please contact us to enquire about additional allocation availability.
Cellared Says
This is an especially classical Opus One. The fruit is vivid and unmistakably Napa, but the architecture is all restraint: lifted aromatics, cool mineral detail and tannins that feel tailored rather than imposing. It will be tempting young after a generous decant, although its real complexity should emerge from 2030. Drink through 2055 or longer from a well-kept cellar. Best scored release for the estate.
Reviews
“Brisk acids, fine tannins and lifted aromatics signal an Opus One of exquisite finesse and class.”
98 points — Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Another absolute gorgeous wine from this team, the 2023 Opus One offers up cassis, black raspberries, spicy wood, flowers, and graphite in a beautifully layered, complex, nuanced bouquet. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, with a pure, layered mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and integrated acidity, this ultra-classic, elegant Opus One will keep for 30-40 years. It's at the same level as the 2010, 2016, and 2021. Drink 2025-2065.
98 points — Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com
Divine aromatically and utterly ethereal. We’re in the laboratory at the back of the florists where the florist is concocting and concentrating the floral essences in their purity and we have the fresh petals alongside. Violet, lily of the valley, a little wild thyme and the hint of coolness that imparts. So gracious, the tannins so filigree. Intensely layered. Reasonably ample. Crushed blueberries, wrapped in velvet with freshly grated dark black chocolate. Delightful and sublime but with massive aging potential.
100 Points - The Drinks Business
Region: California
Sub Region: Oakville, Napa Valley
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec
Country: United States
Vintage: 2023
The Wine
Created by Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild and Napa Valley pioneer Robert Mondavi, Opus One brings Bordeaux discipline to the generosity of Oakville. Its estate comprises four western Oakville vineyard parcels, including two within the historic To Kalon Vineyard.
The 2023 growing season was long and remarkably even. Substantial winter rainfall replenished the soils, while a cool summer without significant heat events allowed flavour, tannin and acidity to develop together. Harvest took place from 14 September to 16 October, preserving the vintage’s freshness and aromatic lift.
The blend is 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec. Following 22 days of skin contact, the wine matured for 19 months in French oak. Red and blackcurrant, cassis and plum are layered with cherry blossom, dried violet, graphite, tobacco, forest floor, vanilla and dark chocolate. Its considerable structure is carried by exceptionally fine tannins and a mineral, quietly persistent finish.
Pre-arrival offer: This wine has been secured through La Place de Bordeaux, with delivery expected in May–June 2027. Pricing will increase once the wine arrives in Australia. All La Place wines offered by Cellared Fine Wine are from confirmed allocations and have already been paid for in full. If this wine is marked sold out, please contact us to enquire about additional allocation availability.
Cellared Says
This is an especially classical Opus One. The fruit is vivid and unmistakably Napa, but the architecture is all restraint: lifted aromatics, cool mineral detail and tannins that feel tailored rather than imposing. It will be tempting young after a generous decant, although its real complexity should emerge from 2030. Drink through 2055 or longer from a well-kept cellar. Best scored release for the estate.
Reviews
“Brisk acids, fine tannins and lifted aromatics signal an Opus One of exquisite finesse and class.”
98 points — Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Another absolute gorgeous wine from this team, the 2023 Opus One offers up cassis, black raspberries, spicy wood, flowers, and graphite in a beautifully layered, complex, nuanced bouquet. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, with a pure, layered mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and integrated acidity, this ultra-classic, elegant Opus One will keep for 30-40 years. It's at the same level as the 2010, 2016, and 2021. Drink 2025-2065.
98 points — Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com
Divine aromatically and utterly ethereal. We’re in the laboratory at the back of the florists where the florist is concocting and concentrating the floral essences in their purity and we have the fresh petals alongside. Violet, lily of the valley, a little wild thyme and the hint of coolness that imparts. So gracious, the tannins so filigree. Intensely layered. Reasonably ample. Crushed blueberries, wrapped in velvet with freshly grated dark black chocolate. Delightful and sublime but with massive aging potential.
100 Points - The Drinks Business
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