Winery Overview & History
Opus One is Napa Valley’s landmark joint venture founded in 1978 by Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild (of Château Mouton Rothschild). The first vintage was 1979, and from the outset the mission has been singular: a Bordeaux-inspired red wine that marries Old World finesse with New World clarity of fruit. The iconic circular winery in Oakville opened in the early 1990s and remains a symbol of this transatlantic partnership.
Vineyard Location & Terroir
Opus One farms estate parcels in the heart of Oakville on Napa’s valley floor and benchlands, including historic blocks adjacent to the famed To Kalon vineyard. The terroir features well-drained alluvial fans with gravelly, loamy soils over clay and cobble, moderated by cool morning fog and warm afternoons. This combination yields small, concentrated berries and a long, even growing season.
Grape Varieties & Wine Style
The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon–led and typically includes Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and a touch of Malbec. The style is refined and age-worthy: blackcurrant, violet and cedar wrapped in silky tannins, with freshness, length and poise. With time in bottle, the wine gains graphite, tobacco and savory complexity.
Signature Wines
- Opus One (Grand Vin) — A single estate blend released annually; among California’s most collected wines.
- Overture — The second wine, a multi-vintage Bordeaux blend crafted for earlier approachability yet carrying the Opus One signature.
Winemaking & Cellar Practices
Hand harvesting at night preserves freshness. After careful sorting, fermentations take place in temperature-controlled tanks with gentle extraction; total cuvaison commonly runs around three weeks. The wine matures approximately 18 months in new French oak, followed by extended bottle aging (often around a year) before release. Blending focuses on texture, precision and longevity rather than sheer power.
Visitor & Contact Information
Visiting: By advance appointment (tastings & estate experiences).
Address: 7900 St. Helena Hwy, Oakville, CA 94562, USA
Phone: +1 (707) 944-9442
Website: www.opusonewinery.com
Email: Via contact form on the official website
* Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia