2018 Opus One wine, Napa Valley, California, sold by Angry Wine Merchant 2018 Opus One 2018 Opus One 2018 Opus One 2018 Opus One 2018 Opus One 2018 Opus One 2018 Opus One Opus One 2018 Tasting Notes and Growing Season
2018 Opus One wine, Napa Valley, California, sold by Angry Wine Merchant
2018 Opus One
2018 Opus One
2018 Opus One
2018 Opus One
2018 Opus One
2018 Opus One
2018 Opus One

2018 Opus One

Red Bordeaux Blend

America / California / Napa Valley  / Oakville

$975
JD 97
RP 98
V 95
Size:
Quantity:

Availability: 1

2018 Opus One – A Modern Napa Valley Classic

The 2018 Opus One represents a flawless expression of the partnership between two legendary wine dynasties — the Mondavi and Rothschild families. Crafted in Oakville, this vintage reflects a season of balance and poise, combining California richness with Bordeaux-inspired precision. It is one of the most harmonious and age-worthy Opus One releases of the decade.

Tasting Notes

Vibrant and deeply aromatic, the 2018 Opus One opens with notes of blackberry, cassis, violet, and graphite. The palate is structured yet supple, layered with dark fruit, cocoa, and fine-grained tannins that glide into a polished, enduring finish. Its balance and texture capture the elegance that has defined this estate since its inception.

Winemaking & Vineyard Details

Composed of Cabernet Sauvignon with portions of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, the 2018 vintage was fermented in stainless steel before 19 months of aging in new French oak. The vineyards lie on well-drained alluvial soils in Oakville, benefitting from cool mornings and warm afternoons that shape its signature depth and refinement.

Investment & Collectibility

2018 continues Opus One’s tradition of excellence, earning widespread acclaim for precision and longevity. Its global recognition, limited production, and proven performance on secondary markets make it one of the most secure and desirable Napa Valley investments.

Vintage Insights & Accolades

The 2018 Napa Valley vintage offered long, even ripening with no extreme weather, resulting in wines of clarity, balance, and superb tannin structure. Critics universally hailed the vintage for its classical elegance and restraint.

Explore Related Collections

JD 97

Jeb Dunnuck

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 crème 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 purity, it's medium to full-bodied and has wonderful tannins, flawless balance, and a great finish. It plays in the finesse-driven end of the spectrum yet is concentrated and seamless, with serious length. It offers pleasure today but should benefit from 4-5 years in the cellar, and my money is on it evolving for 30 years or more. Reviewed by Jeb Dunnuck. Tasting date: April 30, 2021. Drinking window: 2025-2057.
RP 98

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

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 freshness, finishing with lifted fruitiness and on a lingering mineral note. During my recent visit to Opus One, I tasted five vintages of the "grand vin," including a barrel sample of the 2019, which will be published separately in a dedicated report. Comparing the 2018 vintage with 2019, winemaker Michael Silacci commented, "There’s a little more richness to 2019. 2018 is elegant, and that's not an excuse for being lighter. I like the intensity of the 2018s—2019 is a bit above it. 2018 was cooler with a little bit more acidity." Both vintages are a triumph at Opus One and a testament to the subtle changes that Silacci and his team have been conducting in the vineyards and winery over the last 15+ years. Bravo! Reviewed by Lisa Perrotti-Brown. Issue date: February 26, 2021. Drinking window: 2024-2058.
V 95

Vinous

The 2018 Opus One is incredibly elegant and polished, right out of the bottle. Silky tannins and lifted, perfumed aromatics add to an impression of finesse that distinguishes the 2018 from some of the preceding vintages in a pretty big way. It will be interesting to see if the 2018 gains body with a bit of time in bottle. It is pretty rare for Opus One to be so approachable at this stage. Reviewed by Antonio Galloni. Tasting date: February 2021. Drinking window: 2024 - 2043.

Domestic Shipping

We currently ship to all U.S. states where the shipment of alcohol is legally permitted. Orders are fulfilled via UPS.

Orders placed Monday through Thursday before 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time typically ship the same day. Orders placed after 2:00 p.m. on Thursday through Sunday will ship the following Monday.

Same-day delivery may be available within the Los Angeles Metro area if placed before noon. Please contact us at (626) 714-7006 to arrange expedited local service.

Packaging & Warm Weather Shipping

To protect wine quality, all orders are packed in EPS foam shippers with gel packs when necessary. During warmer months, we recommend selecting Next Day Air service. If Ground shipping is selected during high temperatures, a signed waiver may be required to release us from liability due to heat exposure.

For OWC (Original Wooden Case) orders, bottles are removed and shipped in foam for safety. The wooden case ships separately via Ground unless otherwise requested.

Weather Holds & Free Storage

In periods of extreme weather, we reserve the right to delay shipment until safe conditions return. If you request immediate shipment during such periods, you must confirm in writing and acknowledge that you waive any condition guarantees.

We also offer complimentary temperature-controlled storage for up to 6 months from the date of purchase. Select the “Hold for Weather” option at checkout and we will coordinate shipping at a later date.

Insurance

We provide free shipping insurance for loss or visible damage during transit, per carrier terms and conditions.

Adult Signature Required

All shipments of alcohol require an adult signature (21+) upon delivery. Carriers will not release packages without adult authorization. Additional charges may apply for re-delivery, redirection, or failed delivery attempts.

Shipping Address Accuracy

Orders are shipped to the exact shipping address provided at checkout. Angry Wine Merchant is not responsible for errors or omissions in the address submitted by the customer. If a package is delayed, returned, or misdelivered due to incorrect shipping details, the customer assumes full responsibility. Additional shipping fees may apply if re-shipment is required. By placing an order, you confirm that the shipping address entered is correct and agree to these terms.

States We Ship To

We ship to the following U.S. states:

Alabama (AL), Alaska (AK), Arizona (AZ), Arkansas (AR), California (CA), Colorado (CO), Connecticut (CT), Delaware (DE), Florida (FL), Georgia (GA), Hawaii (HI), Idaho (ID), Illinois (IL), Indiana (IN), Iowa (IA), Kansas (KS), Kentucky (KY), Louisiana (LA), Maine (ME), Maryland (MD), Massachusetts (MA), Michigan (MI), Minnesota (MN), Mississippi (MS), Missouri (MO), Montana (MT), Nebraska (NE), Nevada (NV), New Hampshire (NH), New Jersey (NJ), New Mexico (NM), New York (NY), North Carolina (NC), Ohio (OH), Oklahoma (OK), Oregon (OR), Pennsylvania (PA), Rhode Island (RI), South Carolina (SC), South Dakota (SD), Tennessee (TN), Texas (TX), Vermont (VT), Virginia (VA), Washington (WA), West Virginia (WV), Wisconsin (WI), Wyoming (WY)

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International Shipping

We do offer international shipping where legally allowed. For details, click here or contact us directly.

  • CRITICAL REVIEWS
  • WINEMAKER NOTES
JD 97

Jeb Dunnuck

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 crème 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 purity, it's medium to full-bodied and has wonderful tannins, flawless balance, and a great finish. It plays in the finesse-driven end of the spectrum yet is concentrated and seamless, with serious length. It offers pleasure today but should benefit from 4-5 years in the cellar, and my money is on it evolving for 30 years or more. Reviewed by Jeb Dunnuck. Tasting date: April 30, 2021. Drinking window: 2025-2057.
RP 98

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

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 freshness, finishing with lifted fruitiness and on a lingering mineral note. During my recent visit to Opus One, I tasted five vintages of the "grand vin," including a barrel sample of the 2019, which will be published separately in a dedicated report. Comparing the 2018 vintage with 2019, winemaker Michael Silacci commented, "There’s a little more richness to 2019. 2018 is elegant, and that's not an excuse for being lighter. I like the intensity of the 2018s—2019 is a bit above it. 2018 was cooler with a little bit more acidity." Both vintages are a triumph at Opus One and a testament to the subtle changes that Silacci and his team have been conducting in the vineyards and winery over the last 15+ years. Bravo! Reviewed by Lisa Perrotti-Brown. Issue date: February 26, 2021. Drinking window: 2024-2058.
V 95

Vinous

The 2018 Opus One is incredibly elegant and polished, right out of the bottle. Silky tannins and lifted, perfumed aromatics add to an impression of finesse that distinguishes the 2018 from some of the preceding vintages in a pretty big way. It will be interesting to see if the 2018 gains body with a bit of time in bottle. It is pretty rare for Opus One to be so approachable at this stage. Reviewed by Antonio Galloni. Tasting date: February 2021. Drinking window: 2024 - 2043.

2018 Opus One – A Modern Napa Valley Classic

The 2018 Opus One represents a flawless expression of the partnership between two legendary wine dynasties — the Mondavi and Rothschild families. Crafted in Oakville, this vintage reflects a season of balance and poise, combining California richness with Bordeaux-inspired precision. It is one of the most harmonious and age-worthy Opus One releases of the decade.

Tasting Notes

Vibrant and deeply aromatic, the 2018 Opus One opens with notes of blackberry, cassis, violet, and graphite. The palate is structured yet supple, layered with dark fruit, cocoa, and fine-grained tannins that glide into a polished, enduring finish. Its balance and texture capture the elegance that has defined this estate since its inception.

Winemaking & Vineyard Details

Composed of Cabernet Sauvignon with portions of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, the 2018 vintage was fermented in stainless steel before 19 months of aging in new French oak. The vineyards lie on well-drained alluvial soils in Oakville, benefitting from cool mornings and warm afternoons that shape its signature depth and refinement.

Investment & Collectibility

2018 continues Opus One’s tradition of excellence, earning widespread acclaim for precision and longevity. Its global recognition, limited production, and proven performance on secondary markets make it one of the most secure and desirable Napa Valley investments.

Vintage Insights & Accolades

The 2018 Napa Valley vintage offered long, even ripening with no extreme weather, resulting in wines of clarity, balance, and superb tannin structure. Critics universally hailed the vintage for its classical elegance and restraint.

Explore Related Collections

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