

Yount planted grapes and began producing wine commercially. Winemaking started in Napa in 1838 when George C. With nearly 43,000 acres of vineyards and more than 300 wineries, it is the heart of fine wine production in the United States. Napa Valley AVA is the most famous winemaking region in the United States and one of the most prestigious in the world. The other half is still owned by Baron Philippe de Rothschild, S.A.

and assumed 50% of the ownership of Opus One. In 2005 Constellation Brands purchased the Robert Mondavi Corp. About 30,000 cases are produced annually. The winery owns vineyards in Oakville and grows Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. Opus One has earned high praise over the years and is considered one of Napa Valley’s signature wines. Even the label represents a meeting of the two legendary families, since the label shows a stylized profile of both Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild. The Pauillac/Napa Valley enterprise was a long-time dream of both winemaking families and from Opus One’s first vintage in 1979 it was clear that the idea was to make a wine with character that represented the best of both Bordeaux and Napa Valley. Founded in 1979, Opus One was a joint venture between Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Chateau Mouton Rothschild. Harmonious and lively, the flavors linger to create an enduring finish with touches of dark chocolate and espresso.This justly famous winery represents one of the most celebrated international winemaking ventures in modern history. Juicy flavors of black cherry and cassis flood the palate and creamy tannins deliver a delightfully round structure. The initial bouquet is augmented by nuanced notes of sage and black olive. The 2016 offers aromas of fresh red and blue fruit, baking spices and a hint of spring florals. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. A bit more classically backward than its Oakville peers, so tuck this away in the cellar. An iron edge pierces the finish, while the fruit keeps pace.

The blend is 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 8% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec.Ī focused, restrained style, with a steady beam of fresh red and black currant preserve flavors, laced with bay leaf, cedar and tobacco notes. Of the last four vintages, the 2016 is certainly the most open-knit in the early going. I expect the 2016 will enjoy a long drinking window that will start to open relatively soon. In this mini-vertical, the 2016 most closely resembles the 2014, although it has more mid-palate sweetness and overall depth, along with a slightly darker profile. The 2016 Opus One has turned out beautifully. This a very decadent expression of Opus One with a provocatively effortless harmoniousness that is truly difficult to resist. Full-bodied, super concentrated and packed with black and blue fruits, the palate is built like a brick house with firm, ripe, finely grained tannins and oodles of freshness, finishing long and perfumed. Very deep purple-black, the nose reveals profound notions of chocolate-covered cherries, crème de cassis, blueberry compote and licorice with touches of tobacco, cedar chest, Sichuan pepper, eucalyptus and violets. Needs at least three to five years to come together.Ī blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 8% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec, the Opus One 2016 Proprietary Red Wine was recently bottled in July and August 2018. Full-bodied yet linear and very refined with a very persistent finish. Fantastic aromas that are complex and complete with blackcurrants, blueberries and herbs, such as basil and bay leaf.
