Opus One 2022

The 2022 Opus One shows the sunny, perfumed style of the vintage. Black raspberries, smoked tobacco, incense, and spicy wood notes all define the aromatics, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a supple, layered mouthfeel, velvety tannins, and a great finish. I’ve been lucky enough to do many retrospectives of this wine, so I have no doubt it will evolve gracefully for a solid two decades. (Drink between 2025-2045)

Smoky, fragrant and powerful, this has clear intensity with tightly-grained tannins. With coaxing, the body of the wine softens to show chalky tannins, crushed rose petals and violet flowers, impressive delicacy to the aromatics despite the heat of this vintage. Great stuff, once again showing how Opus knows when to take the foot off the pedal, how to sverve towards grace. Picking was exceptionally early, coming on August 24 for the Merlot, as they reacted to the forecast for a big heat dome. Michael Silacci director. Drink 2030-2045.

Glossy purple colour in the glass. The nose here is brooding and a little folded in on itself for now, but you can feel the weight of cassis, blackberry and blueberry compote, together with a sweet, cola-like spice from the wood. The palate has lively acids and a fresher profile than in recent years, which serves to harmonise that succulent dark fruit at the core. The tannins are ripe but plentiful, adding gravitas and giving some savour against the exotic wood spice. A well-balanced Opus with real vibrancy to the finish.