Opus One
History and Background
Opus One is a renowned vinicultural joint venture that was established in 1979, uniting the mastery of Robert Mondavi, a leading figure in Californian winemaking, and Baron Philippe de Rothschild of the prestigious Château Mouton Rothschild in Bordeaux. This partnership pioneered the blending of New World and Old World winemaking practices and philosophies, setting a benchmark for international wine collaborations.
The venture's ambition was to craft a premium Bordeaux-style blend centered on Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The first vintage of Opus One was produced in 1979 and released in 1984, quickly earning acclaim for its quality and setting a high standard for global wine production.
The winery, completed in 1991 and designed by Scott Johnson, reflects a synthesis of modern and traditional design, akin to the innovative spirit of its founders. Located in Oakville, Napa County, the winery has become a symbol of the successful fusion of distinct winemaking cultures.
Vineyards and Terroir
Opus One's vineyards are ideally situated in the heart of the Oakville AVA of Napa Valley, an area famed for its superb winemaking conditions. The soil across the estate varies from deep gravelly loams at lower elevations to finer sandy loam on the elevated plots, facilitating excellent drainage and varietal expression due to these textural differences. This complexity in soil composition contributes significantly to the layered complexity of Opus One's wines.
Focusing on excellence and precision, the vineyard primarily cultivates Cabernet Sauvignon, the cornerstone of Opus One's blend, along with selected plots of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. Each variety is judiciously planted according to the microclimates and soil types that best suit its growth, ensuring a harmonious blend that expresses the unique character and richness of the estate.
Wine Style and Production
Opus One is known for its Bordeaux-style red blend, masterfully crafted to reflect the distinctive Napa Valley terroir. This wine is primarily a blend of traditional Bordeaux varieties, where Cabernet Sauvignon typically dominates, complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. The wine distinguishes itself with its profound depth, aromatic complexity, and luxurious texture, striking a harmonious balance between robust power and refined finesse.
Reputation
Opus One has consistently achieved international acclaim and is considered one of the top wines from Napa Valley. The winery is celebrated for its New World Bordeaux-style blends, which are characterized by quality, consistency, and age-worthiness, making Opus One a benchmark in the industry.
Final Thoughts
Opus One is the result of the visionary partnership between Robert Mondavi of California and Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild in Bordeaux. Two pioneering wine families, merging Old World and New World winemaking philosophies, results in a wine that integrates the elegance and complexity typically associated with Bordeaux with the bold characteristics of Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon.