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Robert Mondavi (left) and the Baron Philippe de Rothschild (right) discuss the newly designed Opus One label

One wine of absolute quality

Opus One is the realized dream of two men: Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Chateau Mouton Rothschild in Bordeaux and Napa Valley vintner Robert Mondavi. Together, our founders set out to create a single wine dedicated to the pursuit of uncompromising quality. This singular mission shapes every vintage, today and for generations to come.

Learn More about our winemaking practices

Current Vintage

2017

The winter of 2017 ended a five-year drought with January recording the most rainfall in over 20 years. The abundant rainfall continued into March, causing a modest delay in budbreak, and pushing bloom back by two weeks. Increased soil moisture allowed for healthy vine growth and development. ... The summer, in turn, was warm and punctuated by occasional heat waves. Despite Mother Nature’s variability, favorable weather in August provided optimal conditions for fruit development and maturation. Superb flavors and excellent ripening led to an earlier than expected harvest, which commenced on the 5th of September.

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The Opus One 2017 offers a harmonious aromatic balance of rich dark fruit, stems of roses, and earthy forest floor. The juicy entry offers a round, silky mouthfeel with just enough acidity to complement the satin texture. This seductive wine shows flavors of black cassis, black cherry and a hint of cocoa powder. The fine-grained, plush tannins evolve into a long, supple finish.  A supremely age-worthy wine, it will delight now and for many years to come.
Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon 80%, Petit Verdot 9%, Cabernet Franc 5%, Merlot 5% and Malbec 1%

Skin Contact

20 days

Barrel Aging

17 months in new French oak

View Winemaker’s Vintage Presentation

Download Tasting Notes

Available in 750ml bottles.

Acquire Opus One 2017

Library Wines

2016

2016 marked the fifth consecutive year of a punishing drought in Northern California; however, the Oakville estate was fortunate to receive 28½ inches of rain; most of which fell before March; making the soil conditions ideal for budbreak that began precociously on March 7th. ... Conditions in August were perfect for ripening and moderate temperatures persisted up until harvest with only a temporary heat spike in early September. Harvest began on September 9th under mild conditions which allowed the vineyard team to be more selective and work at a steady pace. As warming increased, so did the pace and the harvest was completed, in just 33 days, on October 12.

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The Opus One 2016 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. The initial bouquet is augmented by more nuanced notes of sage, rosemary, and black olive. Juicy flavors of black cherry, blackberry and cassis flood the palate and creamy, fine-grained tannins deliver a delightfully round structure. Harmonious and lively, the flavors linger to create an enduring finish with touches of dark chocolate and espresso.

Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon 77%, Petit Verdot 8%, Merlot 8%, Cabernet Franc 5%, and Malbec 2%

Skin Contact

17 days

Barrel Aging

18 months in new French oak

View Winemaker’s Vintage Presentation

Download Tasting Notes

2015

Marking the warmest year since 2008, the 2015 growing season set a record for early bloom. Drought conditions persisted, and rainfall was erratic, with most of the much-needed rain falling at the end of the previous year and supplemented by only a single storm in February, which was enough water to sustain the vines. Cooler conditions during flowering ultimately lead to a smaller number of berries on each cluster and lower than average yields. ... Warm summer months led to advanced veraison, which was followed by perfect ripening conditions. Harvest began on September 1 with short pauses; heat spells and continued warmth allowed for the berries to be steadily picked at their ideal maturity. The harvest was completed on October 8.

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Initial dark fruit, spice and baking aromas in the Opus One 2015 are interwoven with seductive notes of violet, black tea, and sage. The entry is vibrant with ripe dark fruit flavors of plum, blackberry and blueberry followed by hints of vanilla and cocoa. Silky, fine-grained tannins provide structure and a creamy texture. The wine finishes with fresh acidity and a rich, lingering finish that promises longevity in the cellar.

Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon 81%, Cabernet Franc 7%, Merlot 6%, Petit Verdot 4%, Malbec 2%

Skin Contact

21 days

Barrel Aging

18 months in new French oak

View Winemaker’s Vintage Presentation

Download Tasting Notes

2014

The 2014 vintage was precocious – marked by the earliest bud break in our history. Timely rainfall and a continuation of mild and dry conditions throughout the year allowed the grapevines to support the slightly higher-than-expected yields. ... Following a near-perfect growing season, harvest commenced on September 5th just as the grapes reflected an ideal balance between freshness and concentration. After an early rainstorm, there was a brief pause; but the succinct harvest was completed on October 7th.

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The 2014 Opus One exudes subtle aromas of fragrant florals, fresh garden herbs and forest floor that give way to a concentrated blend of red cherry, blackberry and black currant. Fine-grained tannins offer a velvety texture and complex structure that builds to a long, vibrantly fresh finish with a touch of mocha.  Enjoyable now, the wine will delight for years to come.

Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon 80%, Petit Verdot 7%, Cabernet Franc 6%, Merlot 5% and Malbec 2%

Skin Contact

20 days

Barrel Aging

18 months in new French oak

View Winemaker’s Vintage Presentation

Download Tasting Notes

2013

A very dry and unseasonably warm winter gave the vines an early start on the 2013 vintage. Flowering occurred under near-perfect conditions, which led to excellent fruit set throughout the Oakville estate vineyards and ensured a bountiful harvest ... though smaller than the previous year. Ideal conditions continued during the summer with moderate temperatures prevailing until harvest began after midnight on September 5th. Despite sporadic stops due to weather events, the relatively compressed harvest was completed on October 8th.

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The 2013 Opus One offers splendid aromas of blueberry, cassis, and blackberries with highlights of rose, anise and baking spices. A creamy entry gives way to layers of complexity which unfold in the mid-palate with velvety tannins enrobing a center of concentrated black-fruit with juicy freshness. Elegantly balanced, the acidity and core structure deliver a persistent finish with hints of dark chocolate. The 2013 Opus One promises enjoyment for decades to come.

Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon 79%, Cabernet Franc 7%, Merlot 6%, Petit Verdot, 6%, Malbec 2%

Skin Contact

18 days

Barrel Aging

17½ months in new French oak

View Winemaker's Vintage Presentation

Download Tasting Notes

2012

Mother Nature favored the 2012 vintage with a superb growing season ... characterized by moderate temperatures and bountiful sunshine. At harvest, the fruit exhibited intense flavor, layers of complexity and excellent structure. Picking started on September 21st and continued through October 20th.

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The wine effuses dark fruit aromas accentuated by subtler notes of forest-floor and graphite. The wine’s round mouthfeel and satiny tannins wrap around classic flavors of cassis, blackberry and black cherry. This refined and age-worthy wine offers lively acidity and a sturdy structure with a long lingering finish.

Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon 79%, Cabernet Franc 7%, Petit Verdot 6%, Merlot 6%, and Malbec 2%

Skin Contact

18 days

Barrel Aging

18 Months in new French oak

View Winemaker’s Vintage Presentation

Download Tasting Notes

2011

The 2011 vintage started with unseasonably late rainfall in June ... which disrupted fruit set. This variable rain and low temperatures reduced the number and size of berries on each cluster yet increased concentration of the fruit. Harvest began on September 22nd and ended on October 25th.

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The Opus One 2011 has fresh aromas of bright red fruits, herbes de provence, bay leaf and cassis which give way to subtler notes of black tea and white pepper. The wine's round tannins and creamy texture envelop the familiar flavors of fresh cherry, cranberry, and boysenberry with a touch of dark chocolate. This polished and age-worthy wine simultaneously offers a satiny finish and a slight grip of tannin at the close.

Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon 71%, Merlot 11%, Petit Verdot 9%, Cabernet Franc 8%, and Malbec 1%

Skin Contact

17 days

Barrel Aging

18 months in new French oak

View Winemaker’s Vintage Presentation

Download Tasting Notes

2010

The 2010 vintage will be remembered as a uniquely demanding year ... with unseasonably cold days, untimely rainfall, and surprisingly hot days. Having left a sufficient number of leaves on the vines, our grapes avoided sunburn from late season heat assuring the success of the vintage. Harvest began on September 23 and concluded on October 23.

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Aromas of blackberry, rose petals, chocolate and espresso accentuate fruity and earthy nuances. Round velvety tannins enrobe a silky texture with a touch of minerality. The flavors of dark fruit are enhanced by the well-integrated acidity. The acidity and tannin structure promise a very long life ahead.

Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon 84%, Cabernet Franc 5.5%, Merlot 5.5%, Petit Verdot 4%, and Malbec 1%

Skin Contact

19 days

Barrel Aging

18 months in new French oak

View Winemaker’s Vintage Presentation

Download Tasting Notes

Available in 750ml bottles.

Acquire Opus One 2010
2009

The 2009 vintage saw cool temperatures during bloom and maturation, ... with two short heat spells in September. The harvest began on September 21st and provided an exhilarating finish on October 20th after a record rainfall for October.

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Aromas of black olive and minerals underlie more traditional notes of dark chocolate, cola and espresso. Showing flavors of ripe blueberry, cassis and liquorice, this age-worthy wine simultaneously offers a smooth finish and a slight grip of tannin at the close.

Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon 81%, Cabernet Franc 9%, Petit Verdot 6%, Merlot 3%, and Malbec 1%

Skin Contact

20 days

Barrel Aging

17 months in new French oak

View Winemaker’s Vintage Presentation

Download Tasting Notes

2008

Extreme weather conditions in 2008 ... —from an unseasonably cold April to an extended heat spell in September—led to Opus One’s smallest per-acre yield in thirty-two vintages.

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Aromas of rose petals, cassis and black cherry in the 2008 combine with notes of marzipan and sandalwood. A satin texture enrobes the wine’s smooth, round tannins, its bright acidity supporting a juicy and elegant mouthfeel. This precocious and remarkable wine offers a long finish, with traces of clove and dark chocolate.

Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon 86%, Petit Verdot 8%, Merlot 4%, Cabernet Franc 1%, and Malbec 1%

Skin Contact

22 days

Barrel Aging

17 months in new French oak

View Winemaker’s Vintage Presentation

Download Tasting Notes

2007

Picture perfect until late August, the 2007 vintage posed an unusual challenge, ... with a heat spell in September followed by rains and the threat of frost.

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Selective harvesting (the majority at night) produced a vintage recalling the generous 2001, with aromas of cassis, nutmeg, raspberries, cola, fresh oats, dark chocolate and forest floor. Polished, supple and harmoniously precise, the 2007 fuses a seamless mid-palate with soft yet sinewy tannins. The wine will age effortlessly for decades.

Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon 79%, Merlot 8%, Cabernet Franc 6%, Petit Verdot 6%, and Malbec 1%

Skin Contact

20 days

Barrel Aging

19 months in new French oak

View Winemaker’s Vintage Presentation

Download Tasting Notes

2006

The vintage of 2006 saw the lowest average maximum temperature in twenty-five growing seasons. ... Of 50 inches of rain measured in Opus One’s vineyards that year, all but a fraction fell before bud break. Judicious pruning and a deft use of cover crops resulted in well-balanced vine vigor and beneficial water stress. Beginning on September 27th and concluding on November 1st, the harvest of 2006 included 18-night picks before the onset of heavy autumn rains.

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A saturated black-purple, the 2006 Opus One shows aromas of fresh cut roses, licorice, dark chocolate, blackberry pie, smoked bacon and sassafras. Simultaneously silky and dense on the palate, this unfined wine offers flavors of cassis, espresso and zesty black cherry with a persistently smooth yet expansive finish.

Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon 77%, Merlot 12%, Cabernet Franc 5%,Petit Verdot 3%, and Malbec 3%

Skin Contact

26 days

Barrel Aging

17 months in new French oak

View Winemaker’s Vintage Presentation

Download Tasting Notes

2005

Frequent spring rains through the month of May— the wettest May on record— ... led to a year of cool temperatures and slow ripening. Counted from the day the grape flowers bloom to the first day of harvest, the ripening period was the longest on record for Opus One’s vineyards. The absence of heat spells from July through October allowed a late harvest that began on September 21st and ended on November 2nd— a full month later than the preceding vintage.

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A voluptuous garnet, the 2005 Opus One offers concentrated aromas of blueberry, red roses, white truffle, licorice and nutmeg. A silky entry combines with a moderately soft mid-palate to express supple texture and a fine balance of fruit and acidity. Flavors of cassis, black olives, raspberry and dark chocolate culminate in a long and luscious finish.

Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon 88%, Merlot 5%, Petit Verdot 3%, Cabernet Franc 3%, and Malbec 1%

Skin Contact

29 days

Barrel Aging

18 months in new French oak

Download Tasting Notes

2004

Dry weather and unseasonably warm temperatures in March 2004 brought the earliest bloom in the history of Opus One’s vineyards. ... Cooler temperatures during berry set affected flower pollination resulting in fewer grapes per cluster and the lowest per-acre yield since 1987. A late-summer hot spell prompted an early and compact harvest which began August 30th and ended October 1st. To ensure moderate sugar levels and preserve freshness, the majority of Opus One’s fruit was harvested in the cool morning hours before sunrise.

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Showing a lustrous dark ruby, the 2004 presents aromas of violets, cedar, black tea leaves, black pepper and brioche. A soft, creamy entry gives way to a concentrated mid-palate that expands in the mouth and lingers on the finish.  Elements of cassis, toffee and cocoa round out the rich flavors of the wine.  Intense fruit, bright acid and sturdy tannins promise resilience and longevity.

Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon 86%, Merlot 7%, Petit Verdot 4%, Cabernet Franc 2%, and Malbec 1%

Skin Contact

25 days

Barrel Aging

17 months in new French oak

Download Tasting Notes

2003

The long growing season of the 2003 vintage started under unusually warm conditions ... with budbreak on March 29th. Late spring rains prompted a burst of growth in the vines and led to increased focus on controlling and shaping the leaf canopy. Moderate temperatures in July and August gave way to hot weather and low humidity in mid-September, which gave timely stress to Opus One’s resilient, deep-rooted vines. Harvest began on September 17th with Malbec and concluded on November 2nd, the day before the start of heavy autumn rains.

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A moderately deep garnet, the 2003 Opus One offers aromas of blackberry, plum, hazelnut, graphite, olive oil, cocoa and dried cherries.  The wine presents a soft entry with rich, flannel-like tannins supporting a sweetness and purity of balance. Showing the vibrant blackberry and black cherry fruit of Oakville, the wine also recalls the elegance of Bordeaux. Nuances of dark chocolate, black licorice and herbs linger on the finish.

Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon 91%, Cabernet Franc 3%, Petit Verdot 3%,Merlot 2%, and Malbec 1%

Skin Contact

32 days

Barrel Aging

17 months in new French oak

Download Tasting Notes

2002

The 2002 vintage in Oakville saw only one significant rainfall in January, ... with most rains falling in December of the prior year. Light precipitation and moderate temperatures in the spring boosted soil moisture and prompted a good fruit set with high berry counts in individual clusters. Opus One thinned these clusters to the lowest per-acre yield in a decade, balancing the fruit with its canopy of leaves while encouraging high quality and concentration in the berries. Harvest began on September 9th with Malbec and concluded with a small lot of Cabernet Franc crushed on October 11th.

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The 2002 Opus One is deep garnet.  Showing nuances of dried strawberry, vanilla bean and mocha in the nose, the wine offers lavish flavors of cassis, black cherry, plum and espresso. A marriage of richness and restraint, the wine combines a lean, vibrant entry with profound mid-palate density.  Silky tannins and a seamless balance enhance a long, unwavering finish accented by bittersweet chocolate and a hint of smoke.

Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon 86%, Merlot 6%, Cabernet Franc 3%, Malbec 3%, and Petit Verdot 2%

Skin Contact

32 days

Barrel Aging

20 months in new French oak

Download Tasting Notes

2001

Light winter rains followed by warm temperatures in May allowed Opus One’s vines to flower at an even pace, ... producing small, concentrated berries. Lower temperatures in July slowed the development of flavor and aroma compounds; steady sunshine throughout the summer encouraged sugar accumulation and deepened berry color. To deliver the grapes at optimum ripeness and ideal Brix levels, vineyard crews harvested numerous blocks at two thirty in the morning. The time from bloom to harvest was quite long at 133 days for Cabernet Sauvignon. As a result, the harvest was excellent and unhurried, beginning September 1st and concluding on October 19th.

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The 2001 Opus One shows aromas of black currant, black cherry liqueur, plum, and fresh vanilla, with hints of graham cracker and black peppercorn. A supple, creamy entry is followed by intense flavors of ripe black cherry, cassis, and dark chocolate, finishing with lingering black fruit and savory spice.

Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon 87%, Merlot 6%, Malbec 3%, Cabernet Franc 2%, and Petit Verdot 2%

Skin Contact

32 days

Barrel Aging

17 months in new French oak

Download Tasting Notes

2000

Normal winter rainfall and slightly warmer temperatures in early Spring led to an early bud break in Opus One’s vineyards, ... followed by a mild summer. Although veraison was also early, sustained cool temperatures over the summer led to slow ripening and an extended harvest, which started August 26th and concluded on October 27th.

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Soft and plush in texture, the 2000 Opus One offers aromas of sandalwood, leather, caramel, and a hint of anise. Showing flavors of blackberry and herbs, the wine is harmonious with sweet tannins and a long, intense finish.

Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon 84%, Merlot 6%, Cabernet Franc 5%, Malbec 3%, and Petit Verdot 2%

Skin Contact

44 days

Barrel Aging

19 months in new French oak

Download Tasting Notes

1999

In 1999, welcome spring rains reduced flower counts, decreasing the number of grape berries and increasing flavor concentration. ... Moderate summer temperatures allowed the vines to thrive and the fruit to ripen at a steady pace. A glorious Indian summer put the final touches of maturity on a fine harvest.

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The 1999 Opus One offers aromas of cassis, cloves, and roasted almonds against a creamy texture of soft tannins and round, rich fruit. Long-lived and concentrated, the wine shows flavors of plum, cherry and black pepper against a silky finish.

Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon 84%, Merlot 7%, Cabernet Franc 5%, Malbec 3%, and Petit Verdot 1%

Skin Contact

40 days

Barrel Aging

17 months in new French oak

Download Tasting Notes

1998

Already slowed by El Niño’s winter flooding, the growing season of 1998 was the coolest Opus One has seen since 1991. ... With foggy mornings and moderate temperatures recorded during summer, the season extended into late October, promoting slow ripening and a very long “hang time” for Opus One’s grapes. Excellent weather in September and October made for an orderly harvest of Opus One’s five classic Bordeaux varietals.

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Supple and lush, the 1998 Opus One shows an opaque purple color and intense aromas of blackberries, vanilla, roasted espresso and caramel. The wine offers a resilient middle body, with seamless texture, sweet tannins, and a long, persistent finish.

Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon 91%, Cabernet Franc 7%, Merlot 1%, Petit Verdot and Malbec 1%

Skin Contact

36 days

Barrel Aging

16 months in new French oak

Download Tasting Notes

1997

Abundant sunlight in the previous year produced high fertility in the vine buds and a large crop in 1997, ... which Opus One thinned to one of the lowest yields in its history. Harvest was very early and compact, comprising just 11 days.

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The 1997 Opus One offers concentrated aromas of vanilla, licorice and toasty oak. Showing supple tannins, its silky-smooth palate accompanies flavors of blackberry-cassis, clove and roasted coffee. Powerful yet harmonious, the 1997 promises a long life in the bottle.

Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon 82%, Cabernet Franc 8%, Merlot 5%, Malbec 4%, and Petit Verdot 1%

Skin Contact

32 days

Barrel Aging

18 months in new French oak

Download Tasting Notes

1996

Spring rains in 1996 led to a decrease in vineyard yields, particularly on the Merlot and Malbec grape varieties. Flowering occurred under near-perfect conditions, which led to excellent fruit set throughout our Oakville estate vineyards and ensured a bountiful harvest ... The cool spring was followed by a very warm summer, when occasional heat waves caused rapid sugar development and faster-than-normal ripening of the fruit. Cooling considerably in September, the weather permitted long hang times, allowing tannin maturity to catch up. An unusually compact harvest in September began on the 3rd and concluded on the 20th; the majority of the fruit was crushed in 12 very busy days.

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Offering hints of violets and mint in the nose, the 1996 Opus One shows intense flavors of blackberry, chocolate and roasted coffee.  Its cashmere-like softness and deep, plush flavors are supported by a firm structure and elegant middle body.  A remarkably balanced wine, the 1996 imparts a persistently long finish that forecasts long bottle aging.

Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon 86%, Cabernet Franc 8%, Merlot 3%, and Malbec 3%

Skin Contact

37 days

Barrel Aging

19 months in new French oak

Download Tasting Notes

1995

The 1995 vintage was ideal in almost every respect. ... A long, cool growing season yielded a mature and balanced crop. Harvest began in late September and finished in mid-October, a period of dry, warm days and cool nights.

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The bouquet of the 1995 Opus One is complex, with hints of cassis and raspberries and with nuances of well-integrated oak.  Elegantly structured, the wine is highlighted by a supple and generous texture.  Its rich, complex flavors show overtones of ripe fruit and a long full finish.

Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon 86%, Cabernet Franc 7%, Merlot 5%, and Malbec 2%

Skin Contact

39 days

Barrel Aging

18 months in new French oak

Download Tasting Notes

1994

The longest, coolest growing season recorded in a decade, ... 1994 started with a sunny and dry March and an early bud break. Summer was cooler than average, extending the growing season and the “hang time” of the grapes, allowing leisurely vine maturation and a superior natural blending of acid, sugar and tannins.

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The 1994 has a rich, full body with supple, velvety tannins and an intense fruit aroma. It is a vibrant wine with great freshness and a particularly elegant structure.

Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon 93%, Cabernet Franc 4%, Merlot 2%, and Malbec 1%

Skin Contact

43 days

Barrel Aging

18 months in new French oak

Download Tasting Notes

1993

Abundant rainfall throughout the winter and spring provided favorable moisture to the vines over the growing season. ... The berries and the crop size were slightly smaller than average due to variable temperatures during flowering. Over the harvest, at the beginning of September, the weather was cool at night, bringing some morning fog. As a result, the fruit was able to reach maturity at an ideal pace. A mid-September warm spell brought the grapes to ripeness, prior to the Napa Valley’s normal autumn rains.

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The 1993 Opus One presents a deep velvety red with a hint of purple.  Showing good structure and a delicate integration of French oak, the wine’s very complex nose offers scents of clove and black currant.  As in previous vintages of Opus One, the 1993 is a stylish wine marked by superior finesse and uncommon elegance.

Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon 89%, Cabernet Franc 7%, and Merlot 4%

Skin Contact

42 days

Barrel Aging

18 months in new French oak

Download Tasting Notes

1992

Good weather led to normal bud break and excellent growing conditions throughout the spring. ... Mid-summer brought dry, warm weather with some hot days, accelerating the growth cycle and prompting a very early harvest, which began on August 26th.

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The 1992 Opus One has inviting, rich aromas, an intense berry character and firm, polished tannins.  Typical of past vintages, the 1992 has excellent balance, concentrated flavors, elegance on the finish and great ageability.

Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon 89%, Cabernet Franc 8%, and Merlot 3%

Skin Contact

38 days

Barrel Aging

17 months in new French oak

Download Tasting Notes

1991

With the release of the 1991 vintage of Opus One celebrates the first wine made entirely at their new winery located in California's world famous Napa Valley. ... The growing season presented ideal conditions for Opus One's Bordeaux grape varieties to develop the intense, ripe fruit flavors, along with the structure and character necessary to produce balanced, elegant, world class wines. Seventeen inches of rain in March ended the prospect of a drought year. The growing season was extremely long and cool, producing a large crop and a late harvest.

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Elegant, even soft in its youth, this vintage will grow in complexity and unfold the nuance of flavors. The vintage yielded wines of great structure and balance with a sweet middle palate, layering fruit and oak aromas.

Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon 93%, Cabernet Franc 6%, and Merlot 1%

Skin Contact

33 days

Barrel Aging

15 months in new French oak

Download Tasting Notes

1990

In 1990, Napa Valley recorded a season of cool growing conditions and low crop yield, promising an outstanding wine. ... Cooler-than-normal winter weather led to a late bud break. Bloom and berry set were delayed by the season's conditions and rain in late May. Normal summer temperatures were followed by ideal harvest conditions.

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This vintage produced fruit of exceptional varietal character and intensity, with an extremely intense color, and a fragrant, perfumed nose and aroma. Consistent, yet unique, the style of the 1990 Opus One offers an approachable, accessible character.  There is an intense, richly cassis-like quality laced with spicy, peppery licorice overtones.  The wine is extremely balanced, with powerful berry flavors and is well structured.

Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon 87%, Cabernet Franc 10%, and Merlot 3%

Skin Contact

30 days

Barrel Aging

18 months in new French oak

Download Tasting Notes

1989

1989 will be remembered for bringing the much needed relief from the three-year drought. ... Normal weather patterns prevailed during the long, cool growing season which produced typical crop levels. Unseasonably cool weather – which included late September and October rains – delayed the harvest, producing lower sugars and lean, vigorous wines.

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The 1989 Opus One has an intense depth of color and rich floral bouquet and aroma.  The fragrant nose gives way to an elegant, supple wine with tremendous finesse.  The firm structure laces together a wine of complexity, balance, and accessibility.

Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon 97%, Merlot 2%, and Cabernet Franc 1%

Skin Contact

31 days

Barrel Aging

17 months in new French oak

Download Tasting Notes

1988

An early bud break, followed by a long, temperate growing season produced extremely well balanced grapes and an elegant wine. ... Erratic temperatures throughout the first few months of the season caused some shatter in the grape flowers and uneven rates of maturation.

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The 1988 vintage produced an Opus One that is exceptionally intense, yet elegant, filled with rich berry fruit, cassis and spice.  Soft tannins make it delicious for enjoying now, but the firm, balanced structure supports a continued development in the bottle for decades, given proper cellar conditions.

Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon 85%, Cabernet Franc 13%, and Merlot 2%

Skin Contact

28 days

Barrel Aging

18 months in new French oak

Download Tasting Notes

1987

The 1987 harvest in Napa Valley was characterized by a short winter with light rainfall, ... early bud break and very moderate temperatures throughout the ripening period. The fruit was harvested in ideal conditions with excellent sugar development and acid retention. The cool and moderately warm days which typified the growing season, balanced by fog-cooled nights, provided for steady ripening and an evenly paced harvest.

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The 1987 Opus One is a wine of great depth and intensity, showing subtle hints of oak, cherry and black pepper.  It is a remarkably supple and approachable wine, balanced by a firm and elegant structure.

Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon 96%, Cabernet Franc 3%, and Merlot 1%

Skin Contact

24 days

Barrel Aging

18 months in new French oak

Download Tasting Notes

1986

The 1986 Napa Valley harvest closely resembled that of 1985 - one of the finest ever recorded in the region. ... Slightly drier conditions resulted in a reduced crop of Cabernet fruit of even greater intensity than the grapes harvested in 1985. An early bud-break was followed by a long, temperate growing season that produced extremely well-balanced grapes.

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The 1986 Opus One is an elegant wine of great depth, complexity and structure that promises tremendous aging potential.  Full oak, black cherry and cassis aromas are enhanced by slight spice and vanilla undertones.

Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon 87%, Cabernet Franc 9%, and Merlot 4%

Skin Contact

21 days

Barrel Aging

18 months in new French oak

Download Tasting Notes

1985

One of Napa Valley’s best vintages in a decade, 1985 saw an early budbreak, a long, moderate growing season, and dry, warm weather during harvest. ... The grapes of excellent balance and intense varietal character produced rich, supple and aromatic wines, showing great balance and length.

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The 1985 Opus One is a vibrant, elegant wine with full cedar and cassis aromas and flavors.  The wine possesses depth, complexity and firm structure that promises outstanding longevity.

Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon 90%, Cabernet Franc 4%, and Merlot 6%

Skin Contact

21 days

Barrel Aging

17 months in new French oak

Download Tasting Notes

1984

The growing season in 1984 saw abundant sunshine and an early harvest. ... The absence of late winter rains produced warm soils and an early budbreak. Although Oakville saw cool mornings as well as warm afternoons, the growing season was the shortest on record. Ideal temperatures at harvest yielded clean, well-balanced fruit and concentrated wines with good aging potential.

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The 1984 Opus One is a wine of concentration and depth, a rich wine that is especially full and forthright.

Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon 97%, and Cabernet Franc 3%

Skin Contact

17 days

Barrel Aging

19 months in new French oak

Download Tasting Notes

1983

Rains in August were followed by dry, windy weather in September ... that protected Napa Valley’s red varietals from exposure to rot. A greatly reduced crop level produced lean, well-balanced wines for medium-term aging.

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The 1983 vintage produced an Opus One that is especially elegant and complex.  It is a wine of concentration and depth which displays elements of cedar, cassis, and mint in the nose and on the palate.

Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon 80%, Cabernet Franc 13%, and Merlot 7%

Skin Contact

16 days

Barrel Aging

23 months in new French oak

Download Tasting Notes

1982

Vinified under the joint direction of Tim Mondavi and Patrick Leon of Chateau Mouton Rothschild, ... 1982 was an excellent vintage in Oakville and marked Partrick Leon's first experience with Opus One. A wet winter and a warm spring produced perfect bloom and berry set and a record crop.

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Cabernet Sauvignon and related varietals weathered the mid-September rains quite well, producing full-bodied wines with the requisite austerity and steeliness that are necessary for the production of complex, long-lived wines.

Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon 82%, Cabernet Franc 16%, and Merlot 2%

Skin Contact

9 days

Barrel Aging

23 months in new French oak

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1981

1981 marked one of the earliest harvests in Napa Valley history. ... A very mild winter with lower-than-average rainfall gave way to early bud break and hot weather in June.

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The 1981 Opus One is lean, elegant, and quite long-lived.

Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon 93%, and Cabernet Franc 7%

Skin Contact

10 days

Barrel Aging

22 months in new French oak

Download Tasting Notes

1980

The 1980 season was one of the coolest on record. ... A two-week warm spell just before harvest increased grape sugars to hasten ripeness, resulting in rich, tannic, higher-acid wines.

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The winemaking team of Tim Mondavi, of Robert Mondavi Winery, and Lucien Sionneau, the winemaker of Chateau Mouton Rothschild, would describe the vintage as spicy with cigarbox aromas and flavors, very ripe, full and rich.

Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon 96%, and Cabernet Franc 4%

Skin Contact

10 days

Barrel Aging

25 months in new French oak

Download Tasting Notes

1979

The first-ever vintage of the joint project between Napa Valley's Robert Mondavi and the Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Chateau Mouton Rothschild in Bordeaux, ... the wine was produced under the combined direction of Tim Mondavi, and Lucien Sionneau, the winemaker of Mouton, at the Robert Mondavi Winery.

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A seemingly perfect growing season from bud break to the beginning of harvest, the 1979 vintage was challenged by rains in September. Early harvesting yielded clean, well-balanced fruit and a wine of resilience and finesse, desribed as having excellent balance, with a delicate but firm structure.

Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon 80%, Cabernet Franc 16%, and Merlot 4%

Skin Contact

10 days

Barrel Aging

24 months in new French oak

Download Tasting Notes

Overture

In keeping with the tradition of many great Bordeaux estates, we produce a fine second wine, Overture. A natural extension of the creation of Opus One, Overture is the timeless expression of our estate vineyards.

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Acquire Overture

Our wine invites the contemplation of time and place.

See our current releases