The History of Opus One

An Unlikely Meeting That Sparked a Revolution

In the late 1970s, Robert Mondavi, the pioneer of Napa Valleys modern wine industry, met Baron Philippe de Rothschild, owner of Château Mouton Rothschild in Bordeaux. Their conversation soon turned into a shared vision to create a wine that united the finesse of France with the innovation of California.

What followed was not just a business agreement but a bold idea: to bridge Old World and New World winemaking philosophies through one exquisite wine.

Napamédoc to Opus One Fusing Two Iconic Regions

In 1978, Mondavi was invited to visit Bordeaux, and shortly after, both men agreed to form a joint venture, holding equal shares. The projects working name was Napamédoc, a symbolic blend of Napa Valley and Médoc, highlighting their intention to harmonize the distinct terroirs of both regions.

The first vintage was crafted in 1979, under the close supervision of Lucien Sionneau from Château Mouton Rothschild and Tim Mondavi, Robert's son.

Precision Winemaking A Symphony of Craft and Technology

The wine composition was carefully chosen:

• Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon
• Blended with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec
• Fermented for 2137 days in stainless steel tanks
• Aged in new French oak barrels for 18 months, followed by another 18 months of bottle aging

Every step aimed to preserve purity, structure, and complexity, resulting in a wine both powerful and elegant.

The Launch of Opus One Americas Luxury Wine Emerges

In 1984, the first vintage was officially released under the name Opus One, a Latin phrase meaning the first composition. The wine launched at $50 per bottlea bold price at the timeand quickly captured the attention of the global wine community.

It marked a turning point: Napa Valley wine could now stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Bordeauxs finest, elevating the prestige of American wine internationally.

Legacy That Lives On Wine as Cultural Conversation

Though Baron Philippe passed away in 1988, and Robert Mondavi in 2008, Opus One lives on as a symbol of cross-cultural excellence. Their descendants continue to uphold the original vision with unwavering dedication to quality.

Opus One is more than a wineits a story told in every bottle, a fusion of tradition and innovation, of passion and precision.