About Opus One
Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild agreed the venture in 1979, pairing Napa fruit with Bordeaux thinking. The first vintage was 1979 and the wine was launched at the 1981 Napa Valley Wine Auction, where a case sold for twenty-four thousand dollars and made the point that California could price alongside the classed growths. The winery on Highway 29 opened in 1991, built into a low earthen berm opposite the Mondavi estate. Fruit comes from Oakville vineyards including a portion of the To Kalon bench, and one wine is released each year, a Cabernet Sauvignon blend.
Oakville is the heart of the Napa Valley floor. Our Napa Valley Wines and Cabernet Sauvignon pages cover the neighboring estates, and Collectible Wines holds the wider selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Opus One?
It began as an equal partnership between the Mondavi and Rothschild families. Constellation Brands acquired the Mondavi half in 2004, so the winery is now jointly held by Constellation and Baron Philippe de Rothschild SA.
What is Overture?
Opus One's second wine, a multi-vintage blend of lots not used in the grand vin. It is sold mainly at the winery rather than through distribution, which makes it harder to find than the main label.
Is Opus One a Bordeaux or a Napa wine?
A Napa wine made with Bordeaux method. The fruit is entirely Oakville, the blend is Bordeaux varieties led by Cabernet Sauvignon, and the winemaking follows the Mouton approach rather than the ripe extraction that defined Napa in the 1990s.
How long does Opus One age?
Ten to fifteen years for good vintages, holding for twenty-five or more. It is more restrained than most Napa Cabernet at this price and tends to be underestimated young.