![]() Until the partners could acquire vineyards in Napa Valley, the grapes would be sourced from the best of Mondavi’s existing vineyards. Mondavi and the baron divided the venture between them from the start. ![]() A two-hour talk at the château convinced the two men that beneath their distinct personalities flowed a common vision: The New World could produce its own, unique equivalent to first-growth Bordelaise wines. Here his eye also espied a kindred spirit in Robert Mondavi, who had established one of the area’s first and best luxury wineries at a time when bulk operations still predominated. The wild frontier that most consistently held the cultivated Frenchman’s eye was California’s Napa Valley. The baron was an innovator who unabashedly pursued his inspirations, often flouting the conservative French winemaking establishment by applying modern marketing methods to the sacrosanct issue of Bordeaux and expanding his production into new regions. Although a long procession of Rothschild proprietors precedes him, he stands in the truest sense as the great house’s founder, having fought for decades to win for his then-second-growth estate the much coveted first-growth status enjoyed by his cousins’ Château Lafite Rothschild. Despite his very traditional heritage, the baron (who, as Mondavi recalls, had a flair for dramatic attire, often donning a serape or an Argentine bolero) was at heart always a bit of a maverick. ![]() The invitation to Bordeaux announced that the aron had, after reflection, arrived at an answer to his own query. Two-Thirds of Americans Have a Negative View of Tipping, According to a New Surveyīenriach’s New 40-Year-Old Single Malt Is an Uncommonly Peaty Speyside Whisky These age-worthy and prestigious wines are favored by collectors throughout the world.This Indian Distillery Aged Its New Single Malt in Botanical-Seasoned Barrels Oakville wines are known for their silky, sensual textures, structured tannins, dark and brooding fruit and lovely aromatics. Oakville's diverse soils, namely ancient sea bedrock, clay and gravel, are well-drained, and perfect for high-caliber viticulture.Ĭabernet here is often bottled varietally but is also popular in Bordeaux Blends. Summer days see a gentle tug of war between warmer inland air and the cool air coming in from the San Pablo Bay, creating an ideal environment to grow red varieties. The climate is generally warm and agreeable, resulting in year after year of favorable vintages. This AVA is home to the legendary To Kalon Vineyard and Martha's Vineyard, as well as many powerhouse wineries including Screaming Eagle, Silver Oak, Robert Mondavi, Opus One, Far Niente and Groth. Home to some of the most sought-after Cabernet Sauvignon in America, Napa Valley’s Oakville district stretches across the center of Napa's valley floor and foothills between the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountains. Two parcels, totaling 100 acres, are within the renowned To Kalon Vineyard. These are complemented by the combined 70 acres of the Ballestra and River parcels, which envelop the winery. In the vineyards, hand-harvesting and other traditional approaches are taken wherever they work best. When modern techniques benefit the winegrowing process, they are researched, evaluated and integrated into practice The estate vineyards of Opus One, comprised of four parcels, sit in the western portion of the famed Oakville AVA in Napa Valley. It remains an ongoing testament to the founders’ vision of a singular wine that transcends generations. Rising gracefully from the vineyards, Opus One winery stands in subtle celebration of the land and the open space that surrounds the estate. Guided by the vision of our founders, winemaker Michael Silacci combines intuition and technical acumen with the dual perspective of viticulturist and winemaker. From tasting berries to careful sorting and extended aging in new French oak barrels, each stage of the winemaking process is afforded the same meticulous consideration and attention. After 18 months, the Opus One wine is bottled and held an additional 15 months until release on October 1st each year. Place, often defined as terroir, represents the geography, the climate and the essential human element which is captured in the wine’s balance between power and finesse, structure and texture. The essence of time is expressed in Opus One wine by the character of each vintage. The facial profile of the two founders is visible on their iconic label. Producing luxury wines from its Napa Valley vineyards, the partnership made its first vintage in 1979 and has made wine at Opus One since 1991. Opus One is a partnership founded by Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Chateau Mouton Rothschild in Pauillac, France, and renowned Napa Valley vintner, Robert Mondavi. Learn about Opus One, it’s history, the winery and the wine.
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