When the centuries-long history of French epicurean culture is paired with the American idea of unlimited possibilities, the result could be a great wine - for example Opus One, one of the blue chips in California.
the idea of a joint venture between Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi was born in 1970. It was only ten years later that Opus One Winery was founded. From the very beginning, the aim was to create a top Californian wine with classic Bordeaux characteristics. The first vintages were harvested and produced at the Robert Mondavi Winery.
Mondavi later sold part of his vineyard to the new company, which then steadily acquired new properties. Until 2004, the management of Opus One was always equally shared by both parties. Since then, the winery has been managed "alone" by Michael Silacci as CEO.
Opus One's vineyards, consisting of four parcels totalling 170 hectares, are located in the western part of the famous Oakville AVA. The typical Bordeaux grape varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot are cultivated here.
The winery, newly built in 1999, is situated on a slope, so that all process steps can be carried out gently, without the use of pumps. The grapes are delivered upstairs and the finished wine is bottled on the lower floor - after it has been allowed to mature for up to 20 months in 100% new barriques.
© Photos: Opus One Winery
