Opus One 2006
Opus One 2006 is a ≈14.5% ABV Napa Valley Bordeaux-style blend — 77% Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec — from a wet, challenging vintage that still produced a serious, structured wine. Silky-smooth and elegant rather than blocky, it shows rich fruitcake, black olives, rosemary, and chocolate with well-finessed tannins. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: ≈14.5% (Decanter lists 14.4%; one Decanter page shows 15% — flagged)
- Size: 750mL
- Blend: 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec (per Decanter; one reviewer page lists 84/6/5/4/1 — flagged)
- Vintage: 2006 — abundant moisture; a more challenging, structured year
- Aging: ≈18 months in new French oak (estate practice); 26 days skin contact (Decanter)
- Scores: DEC 95 · JS 95 · JD 94 · RP 93+
A Structured Vintage for the Cellar
2006 tested Napa with abundant moisture, but Opus One turned it into a bigger, more structured wine than the velvety 2007 — bolder tannins, more drama, and impressive depth beneath an elegant surface. Decanter found "rich, damson and spiced plum notes, chocolate and roses, black olives, rosemary and cinnamon," and James Suckling called it "tight, but fascinating." A vintage that rewards patience. Browse more age-worthy reds in our Cabernet Sauvignon selection.
Tasting Notes
Bright, glossy color. The nose is rich and complex — fruitcake, black olives, rosemary, cinnamon, chocolate, roses, with sage and mint in an Opus signature style. The palate is silky-smooth with ripe yet integrated tannins, layered dark fruit, and a mineral, chocolatey length. The finish shows good freshness, chocolate, and tobacco leaf.
How to Enjoy
Decant generously (up to 2 hours) and serve at 60–65°F. A 24-hour decant isn't out of line for older bottles. Excellent with grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, and hard aged cheeses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the scores for Opus One 2006?
Decanter 95, James Suckling 95, Jeb Dunnuck 94, Robert Parker 93+.
How does Opus One 2006 compare to 2005?
The 2006 is bigger and more structured — bolder tannins and more muscle — where the 2005 is more perfumed and velvety. Critics suggest the 2006 needs more cellar time.
What is the alcohol content of Opus One 2006?
Decanter lists 14.4% ABV (one Decanter page shows 15%); the draft uses ≈14.5%.
When will Opus One 2006 be ready?
It benefits from long decanting now and will continue to develop; it's a cellar-worthy vintage built on firm structure.
Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA stocks the cellar-worthy Opus One 2006 — order online today.