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The proportion of these grape varieties in the wine has varied from year to year, as determined by the winemakers. Then, malbec was added to the blend in 1994, and petit verdot was added from 1997 onwards. The wine started out as a blend of mainly cabernet sauvignon, along with some cabernet franc and merlot. I contend that it has at least something to do with the variation in grape varieties. Ridge Monte Bello has a similar Bordeaux-style aim), although they all sell considerably fewer than the 25,000 annual cases of Opus One. Certainly, other wines have surpassed it in price and/or reputation (e.g. It has struggled to maintain that reputation, as it has been persistently criticized for inconsistency from vintage to vintage. It was the first ultra-premium wine from the USA, the California equivalent of a Bordeaux first growth, intended as a benchmark for the wines produced from cabernet grapes in the Napa Valley. This wine has been known as Opus One, with its first vintage in 1979. (They used also to contain Carménère, but that grape is now rare in Bordeaux.) When Robert Mondavi and Philippe de Rothschild decided to make a Bordeaux-style wine from Napa-grown grapes, they naturally used these same varieties. In the vineyards, hand-harvesting and other traditional approaches are taken wherever they work best.The red wines from Bordeaux contain one or more of several grape varieties: Cabernet sauvignon, Cabernet franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit verdot.

These are complemented by the combined 70 acres of the Ballestra and River parcels, which envelop the winery. Two parcels, totaling 100 acres, are within the renowned To Kalon Vineyard. The estate vineyards of Opus One, comprised of four parcels, sit in the western portion of the famed Oakville AVA in Napa Valley. When modern techniques benefit the winegrowing process, they are researched, evaluated and integrated into practice

In the vineyards, hand-harvesting and other traditional approaches are taken wherever they work best. It remains an ongoing testament to the founders’ vision of a singular wine that transcends generations. Rising gracefully from the vineyards, Opus One winery stands in subtle celebration of the land and the open space that surrounds the estate. After 18 months, the Opus One wine is bottled and held an additional 15 months until release on October 1st each year. From tasting berries to careful sorting and extended aging in new French oak barrels, each stage of the winemaking process is afforded the same meticulous consideration and attention. Guided by the vision of our founders, winemaker Michael Silacci combines intuition and technical acumen with the dual perspective of viticulturist and winemaker. Place, often defined as terroir, represents the geography, the climate and the essential human element which is captured in the wine’s balance between power and finesse, structure and texture. The essence of time is expressed in Opus One wine by the character of each vintage. The facial profile of the two founders is visible on their iconic label. Producing luxury wines from its Napa Valley vineyards, the partnership made its first vintage in 1979 and has made wine at Opus One since 1991. Opus One is a partnership founded by Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Chateau Mouton Rothschild in Pauillac, France, and renowned Napa Valley vintner, Robert Mondavi. Harmonious and lively, the flavors linger to create an enduring finish with touches of dark chocolate and espresso Juicy flavors of black cherry, blackberry and cassis flood the palate and creamy, fine-grained tannins deliver a delightfully round structure. The initial bouquet is augmented by more nuanced notes of sage, rosemary, and black olive. The 2016 Opus One is remarkably elegant and bright offering sumptuous aromas of fresh red and blue fruit, baking spices and vanilla, and a delicate fragrance of spring florals.