At a glance

Producer

Opus One

Region

Oakville, Napa Valley, California, USA

Grape variety

Bordeaux Blend (Cabernet Sauvignon dominant with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$350-$475 USD per 750ml bottle (retail; higher at auction)

Tasting profile

Aromas of blackcurrant, boysenberry, dark plum, violet, graphite, mocha, baking spice, and subtle oak. Dense, plush palate with superb structure: ripe cassis, blackberry compote, pipe tobacco, pencil shavings, and dusty minerality.

Evolution: Primary fruit will evolve toward dried fig, leather, cedar, earthy truffle, and savory tobacco. Tannins will soften further, integration of oak and tertiary nuances will heighten.

At peak: At full maturity (2025-2037+), expect complex bouquet of dried violets, cigar box, sandalwood, forest floor, harmonious fruit, and a long, persistent finish.

Structure

Acidity

Medium+; provides freshness and longevity

Tannins

Firm, fine-grained, mouth-coating

Alcohol

14.5% ABV

Aging potential

Exceptional; capable of 20-30+ years from vintage, especially in large formats. 2014 is a balanced, ageworthy year.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2037

Optimal window

2022 to 2040

Current status

Entering peak but will age well

Current condition

Approachable now with decanting; will develop greater tertiary complexity (leather, cedar, dried flowers) with additional cellaring. Powerful structure promises longevity.

2014 is regarded as a classic, balanced vintage in Napa. Opus One’s concentration, structure, and winemaking pedigree ensure significant longevity—comparable to top First Growth Bordeaux. Cellared examples are expected to peak 10-25 years from harvest, with continued evolution for 30+ years in exceptional bottles.

Food pairing

Ideal with prime rib, dry-aged ribeye, rack of lamb, venison, wild mushroom risotto, black truffle dishes, aged Gouda, Comté, or high-end charcuterie. Also pairs well with rich stews or dishes with porcini and herbs.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To allow the bouquet and structure to open, soften the tannins, and maximize aromatic complexity. Decant mature bottles gently to separate sediment.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Integrated pest management, cover cropping, water recycling, solar energy use on property, focus on biodiversity and native habitat restoration, LED lighting, recyclable/low-impact packaging. No herbicide use in recent vintages; ongoing reforestation around the estate.

Opus One is considered a leader in sustainable luxury winemaking in Napa, with comprehensive sustainable viticulture, water conservation efforts, and renewable energy initiatives. Significant steps have been made towards estate sustainability, but the estate does not hold organic or biodynamic certification, and use of heavy bottles/exports elevates the carbon footprint compared to hyper-local wines. Napa Green is well-respected, and Opus One continues to invest in both vineyard and winery sustainability. Overall, the estate demonstrates strong commitment, but opportunities remain for even deeper environmental leadership, including lighter packaging and more explicit lifecycle carbon impact reduction.