Opus One is a renowned winery located in the heart of Napa Valley, California. It is considered one of the most important wine producers in the region, and its wines are highly coveted by connoisseurs, being considered one of the best reds in the new world. In this blog we will delve into the history of Opus One, its winemaking techniques, the influence of climate on its wines and the opinions of critics.

It was founded in 1979 as a joint venture between two of the world's most prominent winemaking families, Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild. The idea behind the partnership was to combine the knowledge and experience of the two families to create a world-class wine that would embody the best of Old and New World wine styles. The first vintage of Opus One was released in 1984 and since then, the winery has produced some of Napa Valley's most prestigious wines.

Opus One follows a rigorous winemaking process that includes careful grape selection, meticulous sorting and ageing in French oak barrels. 

The winery produces a Bordeaux-style classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. The exact composition of the blend varies from vintage to vintage, depending on the quality of the grapes harvested. The grapes are harvested by hand and sorted both in the vineyard and in the winery to ensure that only the best fruit is used. The fermentation process takes place in stainless steel tanks and lasts several weeks, after which the wine is aged in French oak barrels for up to two years.

Napa Valley is known for its Mediterranean climate, characterised by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Climate plays a crucial role in the quality of the grapes grown in the region, affecting factors such as ripening time, sugar levels and acidity. Opus One has vineyards located in several different areas of the Napa Valley, each with its own microclimate. The winery takes advantage of this by carefully selecting the best grapes from each vineyard to create a balanced and complex wine.

Opus One has produced many exceptional vintages over the years, but some of the most prized are 1991, 1997, 2001, 2007 and 2010. These vintages are known for their rich, complex flavours and excellent ageing potential. In conclusion, Opus One is one of Napa Valley's most important producers, known for its rigorous winemaking process, attention to detail and excellent ageing potential. Their wines are highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs around the world, and consistently receive high scores and accolades from the most respected wine critics.