Opus One 2017

Opus One was founded in 1978 through a groundbreaking partnership between American wine pioneer Robert Mondavi and French Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild.

This transatlantic collaboration aimed to create a wine that combines the best of both worlds: the elegance and complexity of Bordeaux with the fruit richness and opulence of a Californian Cabernet Sauvignon.

The name ‘Opus One’ reflects the musical concept of a perfect work and symbolises the founders’ vision of creating a wine of exceptional quality and harmony. The estate’s philosophy is based on precision, artisanal excellence and a deep connection to the terroir.

The four Opus One vineyards, covering more than 68 hectares, are planted five to six times more densely than is customary in California. With higher planting density, the vines produce smaller berries with more concentrated juice and more intense aromas. Under the leadership of Michael Silacci since 2004, quality has risen even further, and Opus One now ranks among the great wines of the world.

California is the most versatile wine region in the USA – shaped by cool Pacific fog as well as hot inland valleys. This range enables styles from elegant, cool-climate Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays to powerful Cabernet Sauvignons and Bordeaux blends from Napa and Sonoma. Zinfandel stands for spicy, fruit-driven icons, while Paso Robles excels with Rhône varieties. Innovative winemakers, sustainable viticulture and diverse soils, from volcanic rock to slate and limestone, shape characterful wines with clear origin – from fresh everyday wines to world-famous top growths.