Opus One Winery

A renowned winery in Napa Valley, California

Opus One Winery is a prestigious winery located in the Napa Valley region of California, known for producing a single Bordeaux-style red wine blend. The winery was founded as a joint venture between Robert Mondavi, a prominent American vintner, and Baron Philippe de Rothschild of the French Château Mouton Rothschild.

History

The concept for Opus One Winery was born in 1978 when Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild decided to collaborate on creating a wine that would combine the best of Old World and New World winemaking traditions. The partnership was officially announced in 1980, and the first vintage was produced in 1979.

The winery's name, "Opus One," was chosen to reflect the musical term "opus," signifying a masterpiece. The first public release of Opus One was in 1984, with the 1979 and 1980 vintages offered simultaneously.

Winemaking

Opus One Winery focuses on producing a single wine each year, a blend primarily composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, with smaller amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. The wine is crafted to reflect the unique terroir of the Napa Valley, with an emphasis on balance, complexity, and aging potential.

The winemaking process at Opus One involves meticulous attention to detail, from vineyard management to fermentation and aging. Grapes are hand-harvested and sorted to ensure only the highest quality fruit is used. The wine is aged in new French oak barrels for approximately 18 months before bottling.

Architecture

Opus One Winery building

The architecture of Opus One Winery is a blend of classical and modern design elements, reflecting the fusion of Mondavi and Rothschild's winemaking philosophies. The building is partially underground, with a striking facade that features a colonnade and a central rotunda. The design allows for natural temperature control, which is essential for the aging process of the wine.

Tasting Experience

Visitors to Opus One Winery can enjoy a unique tasting experience that includes a tour of the facility and a guided tasting of the current vintage. The winery offers a serene and elegant setting, with views of the surrounding vineyards and the Napa Valley landscape.

Related pages

• Napa Valley AVA
• Robert Mondavi
• Baron Philippe de Rothschild
• Bordeaux wine

Gallery

File:Opus One 1991 wine.jpg

Opus One 1991 wine bottle