Opus One is a Bordeaux blend from Napa Valley's Oakville district

Opus One is a red wine produced by Opus One Winery in Oakville, California, in the heart of Napa Valley. The wine is a blend of Bordeaux varieties — primarily Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. The winery was founded in 1979 as a joint venture between Robert Mondavi (a California winemaker) and Baron Philippe de Rothschild (owner of Château Mouton Rothschild in Bordeaux, France), and the wine reflects both traditions.

Opus One is known for its full body, structured tannins, and aging potential. A typical bottle costs between $150 and $200 at release, though older vintages can command higher prices. The wine is designed to be cellared — meaning stored for years — rather than drunk when ready, though it is drinkable upon release.

Key Takeaways

  • Opus One is a Napa Valley Bordeaux blend made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, created by a partnership between a California winemaker and a French château owner.
  • The wine is aged in French oak barrels for about 18 months before release, which gives it structure and the ability to improve in the bottle for 20 years or more.
  • Each vintage is released in the spring following the harvest year, and production is limited to around 24,000 cases annually.
  • The winery's architecture and tasting room are designed to reflect both California and French wine traditions, and visitors can tour the property by reservation.

How Opus One grapes are grown and harvested

Opus One owns approximately 145 acres of vineyards in Oakville, planted primarily to Cabernet Sauvignon, with smaller blocks of the other Bordeaux varieties. The vineyard sits on the valley floor and benefits from the warm days and cool nights typical of the region. The winemaking team monitors the vines throughout the growing season and makes decisions about when to harvest based on sugar levels, acidity, and phenolic ripeness — a measure of how developed the grape skins and seeds are.

Harvest typically occurs in September and October. The fruit is hand-picked and brought to the winery, where it is sorted by hand to remove any damaged berries or stems. This labor-intensive approach is standard for premium Napa Valley wines and reflects the partnership's commitment to quality over volume.

The fermentation and aging process

Once sorted, the grapes are crushed and fermented in temperature-controlled tanks. The fermentation process — in which yeast converts the sugar in the grape juice to alcohol — typically lasts 10 to 14 days. During fermentation, the skins remain in contact with the juice, which extracts color, tannins, and flavor compounds.

After fermentation, the wine is transferred to French oak barrels, where it ages for approximately 18 months. French oak imparts subtle vanilla and spice notes and allows the wine to develop complexity. The barrels are new or relatively new — meaning they have been used for only one or two previous vintages — which adds more oak character than older barrels would. During aging, the winemaker tastes the wine regularly and may blend wines from different barrels to achieve the desired final profile.

The blend and final product

Opus One is not a single varietal wine; it is a blend created by the winemaking team after aging is complete. The exact percentages vary by vintage depending on how each variety performed that year. A typical blend might be 80 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 7 percent Merlot, 7 percent Cabernet Franc, 4 percent Petit Verdot, and 2 percent Malbec, but these proportions shift.

The blending process is a deliberate choice made by the winemaker and reflects the French tradition of blending to create balance and complexity. Cabernet Sauvignon provides structure and aging potential; Merlot adds softness and mid-palate richness; Cabernet Franc contributes herbal notes and elegance; Petit Verdot adds color and tannin; and Malbec brings spice and depth. After blending, the wine is bottled and released to the market in the spring following the harvest year.

Tasting notes and food pairings

A young Opus One typically shows dark fruit flavors — blackberry, plum, and dark cherry — along with notes of cedar, tobacco, and graphite from the oak aging and the Cabernet Franc component. The wine has firm tannins and good acidity, which means it can feel slightly dry or gripping in the mouth when young. These tannins soften over time as the wine ages, which is why the wine is designed to be cellared.

Opus One pairs well with grilled or roasted red meats, lamb, and hearty dishes. The wine's structure and tannins complement fatty or richly flavored foods. It is less suited to delicate fish or light poultry dishes. Many wine drinkers decant Opus One — pour it into a separate vessel to expose it to air — before serving, which can soften the tannins and open up the flavors, especially in younger vintages.

Visiting the winery and purchasing bottles

Opus One Winery is located at 7900 St. Helena Highway in Oakville and is open to visitors by reservation. The winery building, designed by architect Scott Johnson, features a distinctive pyramid-shaped roof and reflects both Californian and French architectural traditions. Visitors can tour the vineyards and production facilities, taste current and library wines (older vintages held by the winery), and purchase bottles directly from the tasting room.

Opus One bottles are also sold through wine retailers and restaurants throughout the United States and internationally. Prices vary depending on the vintage and the retailer. Older vintages — wines from 10, 20, or 30 years ago — are typically more expensive than current releases and can be found through wine auction houses and specialty retailers. The winery maintains a mailing list for collectors who wish to receive allocations of new releases.

How Opus One ages in the bottle

Opus One is designed to age for 20 to 30 years or more, depending on storage conditions and the specific vintage. In the first 5 to 10 years after release, the wine continues to develop complexity as the tannins soften and the flavors integrate. The wine reaches what many consider its peak drinking window — the period when it offers the best balance of fruit, structure, and complexity — somewhere between 10 and 20 years after the vintage date.

Proper storage is essential for aging wine. Bottles should be kept on their side in a cool, dark place with a constant temperature, ideally between 45 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Fluctuating temperatures, light exposure, and vibration can damage the wine. A wine refrigerator or a professional storage facility can provide these conditions. When stored properly, Opus One from good vintages can continue to improve for decades.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Opus One and other Napa Valley Cabernet blends?

Opus One is known for its French influence — the partnership with Château Mouton Rothschild shaped the winemaking philosophy and the use of French oak. The wine tends to emphasize elegance and balance over pure power. Other Napa Valley Cabernet blends may prioritize riper fruit or bolder oak, or may use different percentages of blending varieties. The style reflects the winemaker's choices and the vineyard's terroir.

Can I drink Opus One right after I buy it?

Yes, Opus One is drinkable upon release, though many collectors prefer to age it. Young Opus One will show firm tannins and may taste slightly austere or tight. Decanting the wine for 30 minutes to an hour before serving can help soften these tannins and make the wine more approachable when young. If you prefer softer, more when ready accessible wines, you may enjoy older vintages more than newly released ones.

How much does a bottle of Opus One cost?

A current-release bottle typically costs between $150 and $200 at the winery or through retailers. Prices vary by vintage and retailer. Older vintages are generally more expensive — a 20-year-old bottle might cost $300 to $500 or more, depending on condition and availability. The winery's website and wine retailers can provide current pricing.

Is Opus One a good investment wine?

Some collectors purchase Opus One as an investment, betting that older vintages will increase in value. However, wine investment carries risk — the wine's value depends on the vintage quality, storage conditions, and market demand. Wines should be stored professionally and insured. If you are considering wine as an investment, research the specific vintage and consult with a wine merchant or investment advisor before purchasing.

Can I visit the winery without a reservation?

Opus One requires reservations for all visits. You can make a reservation through the winery's website or by calling ahead. Reservation policies and tasting fees may change, so check the winery's current information before planning a visit.