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 swerve 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. 96 points

The 2022 Opus One is a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Malbec. Winemaker Michael Silacci explained that this vintage marked the earliest pick ever at Opus One, beginning on 5 September. `I saw a tsunami of heat coming and said we will pick.` Silacci added that the rush to pick reminded him of a line in the song `Umbrella` by Jay-Z and Rihanna: `We fly higher than the weather, in G5`s or better... in anticipation...` And given the heat dome that settled over Napa Valley, it seemed a wise decision-deep ruby colour with a purple-tawny rim in the glass. The aromas are high-toned with cassis and graphite, and a cinnamon-dusted red berry character nuanced by the woody, spicy aromas of just-cut rose stems balanced by fresh rose petals and dark chocolate. On the palate, it`s a creamy wine with a bit more satin or velvet texture than the 2021, and a touch more sweetness in the berry fruit, but balanced by the textural integrity of the tannins. The finish is sweetly floral and tamed by a salty mineral quality that lingers. There`s a real brightness to this wine as it opens in the glass. 97 points