The wines are vinified separately before being matured in French oak barrels for a period of 18 months. While the exact proportions depend on vintage, the blend is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec, reminiscent of Bordeaux's Left Bank. Today, this highly sought-after wine is produced from four different parcels, two parcels making up the famous 40-hectare To-Kalon vineyard, along with the River and Ballestra Parcels surrounding the Opus One winery. The exceptional style of Opus One resulted from the combination of their talent, their vision and the unique terroir of the Oakville AVA (an Eden for Cabernet Sauvignon). It was their aim to develop a New World equivalent to a Bordeaux First Growth in the Napa Valley region of California. And when modern techniques benefit the winegrowing process, they are used.The world-renowned Opus One was created in the 1970's as a result of a merger between two visionaries, Baron Philippe de Rothschild (lengendary Bordeaux wine magnate and owner of Chateau Mouton-Rothschild in Pauillac) and Robert Mondavi (an icon in the history of American winewith a namesake wine empire in California). At Opus One, traditional approaches are taken whenever they work best. Opus One’s sole purpose is to express the vision and passionate spirit of its founders for generations to come. uniquely by selected Bordeaux negociants- the first California wine to be so represented.Īsserting its independence and achieving a keen balance between its partners, Opus One remains dedicated to uncomprised quality. Opus One would be distributed outside the U.S. Acknowledging Opus One’s autonomy, the agreement established operating independence for the winery in three key areas: administration, vineyard management, and sales and marketing. to maintain 50-50 joint ownership of Opus One. acquired Robert Mondavi Winery in late 2004 and the next year agreed with Baron Philippe de Rothschild, S.A. By combining the great winemaking traditions and innovations of both families, the founders’ singular goal was to create an exceptional wine in the heart of the Napa Valley.įirst vinified in 1979, Opus One was made and aged in barrels at the Robert Mondavi Winery until the fall of 1991, when the winery celebrated its grand opening and its first harvest at the new facility.Ĭonstellation Brands, Inc. It was founded by Baron Philippe de Rothschild, legendary proprietor of Château Mouton Rothschild, and renowned Napa Valley vintner Robert Mondavi. Opus One Winery is a winery in Oakville, California. The wine will age effortlessly for decades.Ĭabernet Sauvignon 79%, Merlot 8%, Cabernet Franc 6%, Petit Verdot 6% and Polished, supple and harmoniously precise, the 2007 fuses a seamless mid-palate with soft yet sinewy tannins. Selective harvesting (the majority at night) produced a vintage recalling the generous 2001,with aromas of cassis, nutmeg, raspberries, cola, fresh oats, dark chocolate and forest floor. Picture perfect until late August, the 2007 vintage posed an unusual challenge, with a heat spell in September followed by rains and the threat of frost.
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