Whether you’re an aficionado of Bordeaux or a devotee of California’s Napa Valley, the allure of tasting Opus One is undeniable. If you’re fortunate enough to possess a bottle of this illustrious wine, your collection boasts one of the most prestigious labels in the world. This intricate and sophisticated blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Malbec emerged from the visionary partnership of two titans of winemaking: Robert Mondavi from Napa and Baron Philippe de Rothschild from the esteemed Bordeaux estate, Château Mouton Rothschild. This remarkable fusion of two wine cultures has captivated connoisseurs globally for decades.
An unexpected alliance of two distinctive winemakers
The story began in the 1970s when fate brought two winemakers together at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel in Hawaii. A friendship blossomed during their vacation, culminating in a partnership aimed at creating a wine that would fully embody California’s immense potential and Bordeaux’s rich heritage.
Both winemakers were celebrated as masters of Cabernet Sauvignon, yet they hailed from vastly different backgrounds. It seems improbable that a dedicated Californian vintner, the son of Italian immigrants, would find common ground with a member of ancient European aristocracy. Yet, this unlikely collaboration bore fruit, and in 1979, their first joint wine was born, initially named Napamedoc until it was rebranded in 1982. Creative forces behind this venture were Tim Mondavi, son of Robert Mondavi, and Lucien Sionneau from Mouton Rothschild. The grapes for Opus One are sourced from four select vineyard parcels, two of which are located in the renowned To Kalon vineyard, widely regarded as the finest in the United States. The harvested grapes undergo meticulous sorting using state-of-the-art technology, ensuring only the finest berries are selected. Each parcel’s grapes are vinified separately—a labor-intensive and technically demanding process that employs approximately thirty vessels. Following vinification, the blending and aging process commences, lasting around 20 months in new French oak barrels. The final masterpiece is crafted under the expert guidance of chief winemaker Michael Silacci, who has been at the helm for nearly 25 years, overseeing all vintages of this exceptional California wine.
A symbol of Old World and New World collaboration
As with all truly great wines, Opus One exhibits remarkable consistency in quality across vintages. It is celebrated as a luxurious, sophisticated, and richly textured wine, characterized by intense concentration and a full-bodied profile. Aromas of dark cherries, chocolate, floral notes, and spices create an enticing bouquet. Its exceptional freshness invites immediate enjoyment upon purchase, while its structure allows for decades of aging in a collector’s cellar.
Securing a bottle of Opus One is no easy feat; however, the estate—now under the ownership of Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Constellation Brands—makes it challenging for speculators. Individual buyers are limited to a maximum of four cases, each containing six bottles.
For decades, the legendary Opus One has stood as a symbol of collaboration between the Old and New World, and today, it enjoys unprecedented popularity and admiration.
