Opus One Winery
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Winemaking |
| Predecessor | Napamedoc (until 1982) |
| Founded | 1980 |
| Founder | Baron Philippe de Rothschild, Robert Mondavi |
| Headquarters | Oakville , United States |
| Products | Bordeaux-style blend wine, Overture (second label) |
Opus One Winery is a winery situated in Oakville, California, USA. Initially known as Napamedoc until 1982, it adopted the name Opus One after its establishment as a collaborative enterprise between Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild and Robert Mondavi. This winery specializes in producing a single Bordeaux-style blend, primarily crafted from Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Positioned opposite the Robert Mondavi Winery across State Route 29, the partnership was initiated in 1980 and significantly elevated Napa Valley’s reputation through de Rothschild's participation. The debut vintages—1979 and 1980—were both introduced to the market in 1984.
Rapidly ascending to become one of the priciest Californian wines, Opus One continues to rank among Napa Valley’s most costly red wines, with the 2014 vintage priced at $325 per bottle. In 1989, a new winery building was constructed nearby; the first vintage produced in this facility was from 1991 and released in 1994.
Since 1993, the winery has diversified its offerings by launching a second label called Overture, which complements its premium brand positioning.
History
The inception of Opus One traces back to a 1970 encounter at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel between Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild, who envisioned blending traditional Old World wine craftsmanship with New World innovation. After approximately ten years of collaboration, their joint venture was publicly announced in 1980.
The initial vintage, crafted in 1979, utilized grapes sourced from Mondavi's To Kalon Vineyard located within the Oakville AVA. In 1980, Mondavi transferred ownership of 35 acres of this vineyard to the partnership, establishing the foundation for future blends. The first release from these specific vines appeared in 1985. Between 1989 and 1991, the estate erected its distinctive limestone winery in Oakville.
Throughout the 1990s, Opus One emerged as a prominent California cult wine, achieving robust sales throughout Asia and Europe. Following Constellation Brands' acquisition of Robert Mondavi Winery in 2004, Baron Rothschild’s estate secured authority over Opus One’s marketing strategies, vineyard operations, and administrative functions.
Winery
Although Opus One’s inaugural vintage was produced in 1979, its purpose-built winery was completed about ten years later next to the Mondavi facility. Architect Scott Johnson designed the structure to harmonize with the valley’s rugged landscape while incorporating classical architectural motifs.
The winery is constructed above a high water table, necessitating meticulous excavation efforts; the soil benefits from warmth provided by nearby geothermal springs. Its vineyards span 108 acres with planting density reaching approximately 2,200 vines per acre.