![]() ![]() The estate vineyards of Opus One, comprised of four parcels, sit in the western portion of the famed Oakville AVA in Napa Valley. It remains an ongoing testament to the founders’ vision of a singular wine that transcends generations. Rising gracefully from the vineyards, Opus One winery stands in subtle celebration of the land and the open space that surrounds the estate. Guided by the vision of our founders, winemaker Michael Silacci combines intuition and technical acumen with the dual perspective of viticulturist and winemaker. From tasting berries to careful sorting and extended aging in new French oak barrels, each stage of the winemaking process is afforded the same meticulous consideration and attention. After 18 months, the Opus One wine is bottled and held an additional 15 months until release on October 1st each year. Place, often defined as terroir, represents the geography, the climate and the essential human element which is captured in the wine’s balance between power and finesse, structure and texture. The essence of time is expressed in Opus One wine by the character of each vintage. The facial profile of the two founders is visible on their iconic label. Producing luxury wines from its Napa Valley vineyards, the partnership made its first vintage in 1979 and has made wine at Opus One since 1991. Opus One is a partnership founded by Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Chateau Mouton Rothschild in Pauillac, France, and renowned Napa Valley vintner, Robert Mondavi. With the Mayacamas Range separating Napa from Sonoma on the west and the Vaca range defining the valley’s eastern boundary there are many varied exposures, elevations, and soils here that have been deemed worthy of special attention.Learn about Opus One, it’s history, the winery and the wine. This regular influx of cool, damp air creates a meso-climate that is significantly different from that of the Northern reaches of the valley where the day’s heat can remain trapped and accumulates over the course of the summer growing season.The other great influences on the climate of the valley are the mountains that frame its contours. Napa Valley opens to the south where the climate is shaped by the maritime influences of the great San Pablo Bay. Encompassing virtually all of Napa County as well as 14 distinct AVAs (American Viticultural Area), this extensive valley system, is home to the cradle of California’s viticultural history. ![]() Region Info/ Origin By far the most famous appellation in California is the Napa Valley. Opus One then became known as America’s first ultra-premium wine. Two days later he proposed an additional word: “Opus One”.he 19 vintages were simultaneously unveiled in 1984 as Opus One’s first release. ![]() Baron Philippe announced his choice, “Opus,” a musical expression denoting the first masterwork of a composer. The partners agreed to choose a name of Latin origin for the joint venture, allowing for easy recognition in both English and French. In 1982 Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild began label design. n 1981 a single case of the joint venture wine sold for $24,000 at the first Napa Valley Wine Auction – the highest price ever paid for a California wine. The following year the partners officially announced their joint venture. Winery Info/ Brand Château Mouton Rothschild winemaker Lucien Sionneau and Robert Mondavi’s son Timothy made the partnership’s first vintage at the Robert Mondavi Winery in 1979. A supremely age-worthy wine, it will delight now and for many years to come. The fine-grained, plush tannins evolve into a long, supple finish. This seductive wine shows flavors of black cassis, black cherry and a hint of cocoa powder. The juicy entry offers a round, silky mouthfeel with just enough acidity to complement the satin texture. Description/ Tasting NotesThe Opus One 2017 offers a harmonious aromatic balance of rich dark fruit, stems of roses, and earthy forest floor. ![]()
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