Palate
The winemaking team of Tim Mondavi, of Robert Mondavi Winery, and Lucien Sionneau, the winemaker of Chateau Mouton Rothschild, would describe the vintage as spicy with cigarbox aromas and flavors, very ripe, full and rich.
Growing Conditions
Opus One was founded by Baron Philippe de Rothschild, legendary proprietor of Château
Mouton Rothschild, and renowned Napa Valley vintner Robert Mondavi. By combining the
great winemaking traditions and innovations of both families, the founders’ singular goal was
to create an exceptional wine in the heart of Napa Valley.
Opus One, like any great work, arose out of passion. Dedicated to uncompromised quality,
Opus One’s sole purpose is to express this vision and passionate spirit for generations to come.
Harvest
The 1980 season was one of the coolest on record. A two-week warm spell just before harvest increased grape sugars to hasten ripeness, resulting in rich, tannic, higher-acid wines.
Winemaking
Skin Contact: 10 days
Aging
Barrel Aging: 25 months in new French oak