Opus One is one of the most recognized names in American wine. It is a single red wine made in Oakville, in the heart of Napa Valley, and it came from an unusual idea: what if one of Bordeaux’s greatest families and California’s most famous winemaker made a wine together? Here is the story behind the bottle, what it tastes like, and how to enjoy it.
Two founders, one wine
Opus One began as a partnership between Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild in Bordeaux and Napa Valley pioneer Robert Mondavi. As a result, the two agreed to create a single wine that combined Bordeaux tradition with Napa Valley fruit, and the first vintage was 1979. Today, the label still shows the founders’ profiles side by side, a reminder of the partnership that started it all.
What is in the bottle
Opus One is a Bordeaux-style blend led by Cabernet Sauvignon, usually with smaller amounts of Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. However, the exact blend changes each year depending on the vintage. The winery then ages it in French oak and releases it only after it has had time to come together in barrel and bottle.
How it tastes
Expect dark fruit such as blackcurrant, blackberry and plum, with notes of violet, graphite, cocoa and fine oak. Above all, Opus One shows polish rather than power: the tannins are fine-grained and the finish is long and elegant. For example, recent vintages, including 2021, 2022 and 2023, are enjoyable now with decanting and will continue to develop for many years.
How to serve Opus One
- Temperature: slightly cool, around 60 to 65°F.
- Decant: one to two hours for younger vintages.
- Pair with: dry-aged steak, roast lamb, beef short ribs, mushrooms or aged cheeses.
- Gift it: Opus One is a classic gift for milestones, clients and celebrations, especially in a birth-year or anniversary vintage.
Buy Opus One in Millbrae
T&Y Wine & Spirits at 260 Broadway, Millbrae, CA 94030 carries several Opus One vintages, plus large formats and Overture by Opus One. You can also order online for in-store pickup or delivery anywhere in the Bay Area, minutes from SFO and the Millbrae BART station.
Frequently asked questions
Who makes Opus One?
Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi founded Opus One. The winery is in Oakville, Napa Valley.
What grapes are in Opus One?
It is a Bordeaux-style blend led by Cabernet Sauvignon, typically with Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. However, the blend varies by vintage.
Where can I buy Opus One near San Francisco?
T&Y Wine & Spirits at 260 Broadway in Millbrae carries Opus One, with in-store pickup and Bay Area delivery.
Please enjoy responsibly. You must be 21 or older to purchase alcohol.