Opus One
Classification
As a winery situated in the Napa Valley of California, Opus One does not fall under the traditional Bordeaux grands crus classes. However, in terms of repute and regard, it often shares the spotlight with legendary Bordeaux names like Château Margaux, Château Latour, and Château Haut-Brion.
Highlights
- 100-Point Vintages: 2007, 2010, 2013
- Most Popular For: Consistency in achieving high scores across vintages, complex flavor profiles that evolve with age.
- Highest Achievement: Recognition as a benchmark for California Cult wines, an accolade that transcends regional and national boundaries.
Provenance & Masters Behind the Bottle
The lineage of Opus One can be traced back to the collaboration between two iconic figures in the world of wine: Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild and Robert Mondavi. These visionaries aimed to blend Old World and New World winemaking traditions, creating a wine that would stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s finest. Current co-owners Constellation Brands and Baron Philippe de Rothschild S.A. have perpetuated this legacy.
The expertise of the winemaking team, led by Michael Silacci, is evident in every bottle. Silacci’s experience includes stints at prestigious estates like Stag's Leap Wine Cellars and Ornellaia, rendering him an authority on creating wines of intricate depth and longevity.
Vineyard & Craftsmanship
Opus One’s vineyard stretches across 169 acres, benefiting from the diverse terroir of the Napa Valley. The winery uses a judicious blend of Bordeaux grape varieties, with a dominant presence of Cabernet Sauvignon complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. The blend varies annually to reflect the year's unique character. Exceptional attention is paid to canopy management and low-yield cultivation, contributing to the wine's scarcity and exclusivity.
Aging & Investment Value
Wines from Opus One display an impressive ability to age gracefully. The integration of tannins, fruit, and acidity allows these wines to evolve in complexity over decades. For the investment-savvy collector, Opus One offers not just sensory gratification but also appreciable financial returns.