Opus One

Opus One is one of the world's most iconic wineries and is considered the ultimate symbol of collaboration between the Old and New Worlds . Located in Napa Valley , the estate is known for a single, iconic wine that consistently receives the highest international recognition. Opus One combines Bordeaux tradition with Californian intensity and is recognized worldwide as a benchmark for modern premium wine.

What is Opus One?

Opus One is a prestigious winery in Napa Valley that produces only one wine: Opus One. The wine is a Bordeaux-inspired blend, crafted with absolute focus on quality, balance, and aging potential. Opus One is considered one of the first true " icon wines " of the United States and plays a key role in Napa Valley's international reputation.

Why is Opus One so famous? Because it was the first winery to create an equal partnership between a Bordeaux legend and a Napa pioneer, resulting in a world-class wine.

Origin and history

Opus One was born from a unique collaboration between Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild and Robert Mondavi , the pioneer of fine wine in California. Their shared vision was clear: to create a wine that combines the elegance of Bordeaux with the power and ripeness of Napa Valley.

Key milestones:

• Idea originated in the 1970s
• First year released in 1979
• First official release in the early 80's
• Internationally positioned as a top wine from the start

This collaboration laid the foundation for a new category of wines: the modern icon wine.

Origin and vineyards

Opus One is located in the heart of Napa Valley, with vineyards in the Oakville appellation . The location and soils play a crucial role in the wine's style.

Characteristics of the vineyards:

• Located in Oakville, Napa Valley
• Alluvial soils with gravel and clay
• Warm climate with cooling influences
• Low yields for maximum concentration
• Strict selection per plot

The combination of ripe fruit and retained freshness forms the backbone of Opus One.

Grapes and style

Opus One is always a blend, inspired by the classic Bordeaux composition.

Main grapes:

• Cabernet Sauvignon – structure and aging potential
• Merlot – roundness and elegance
• Cabernet Franc – aromatic finesse
• Petit Verdot – color and depth
• Malbec – support and complexity

Stylistic features:

• Deep concentration without heaviness
• Perfectly integrated tannins
• Ripe black fruit, cedar and spice
• Great balance between power and refinement
• Exceptionally long lifespan

Vinification and maturation

Vinification at Opus One is focused on precision and consistency.

• Manual harvest per plot
• Plot vinification for maximum control
• Maturation in French oak
• Long maturation for integration and complexity
• Only one wine per vintage

Every decision is about balance, not maximum power.

Storage and serving

Storage potential:
• 15–30+ years, depending on vintage

Serving temperature:
• 17–18 degrees

Decanting:
• Young vintages: 2–3 hours
• Mature bottles: careful and short

Buy Opus One at Perfectewijn.nl

At Perfecte Wijn, you'll find Opus One as one of the absolute icons of the international top segment. This wine symbolizes craftsmanship, vision, and uncompromising quality and is a must-have for lovers of great cellaring classics and iconic Napa Valley wines.