Opus One 2021 is an exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon-led Bordeaux-style red wine produced from the prestigious Opus One estate vineyards in Oakville, Napa Valley. A collaboration born from the vision of Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild and Robert Mondavi, Opus One represents the meeting of Bordeaux winemaking heritage and Napa Valley terroir.

The 2021 vintage reflects a growing season characterised by exceptionally dry conditions and reduced vineyard yields. These conditions resulted in deeply concentrated fruit with remarkable flavour intensity, balanced by the freshness and precision that define the Opus One house style.

Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2021 blend combines five traditional Bordeaux grape varieties to deliver an expressive wine of depth, elegance and complexity. Layers of dark berries, cassis, delicate florals and subtle oak-derived spice unfold across a richly textured palate.

Following 19 days of skin contact, the wine was matured for 19½ months in new French oak barrels, contributing structure, complexity and finely integrated tannins.

The result is a sophisticated Napa Valley red wine offering concentrated fruit, exceptional texture and a lingering finish, with significant potential for graceful development under proper cellaring conditions.

The 2021 growing season was marked by unusually dry conditions, with Opus One recording the second-lowest rainfall in the winery's history.

In response to limited water availability, the vineyard team cultivated early to minimise competition for soil moisture. Cooler temperatures during the early growing season were followed by beneficial rainfall in late March, shortly before budbreak on April 7.

Warmer weather throughout April and May encouraged healthy shoot growth, with flowering beginning on May 17. Restricted water availability resulted in lower-than-average yields, allowing the remaining fruit to develop exceptional concentration and flavour.

Although the summer was warm, the vineyards avoided extended periods of extreme temperatures exceeding 100°F (approximately 37.8°C). The relatively stable conditions supported the development of balanced, expressive fruit.

Harvest commenced on August 31 and concluded on September 24, 2021. The concentrated harvest period produced fruit reflecting the intensity, freshness and character of the vintage.

Appearance: A deeply coloured red wine reflecting its concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon-led composition.

Aroma: Expressive dark-fruit aromas of cassis, blackberry and black cherry, accompanied by delicate floral notes of violet and subtle nuances of vanilla and baking spices.

Palate: Fresh and vibrant on entry, the wine reveals concentrated dark-fruit flavours that echo its aromatic profile. Fine-grained tannins create a remarkably plush, creamy mid-palate texture.

Finish: Lingering impressions of black tea, liquorice and dark chocolate contribute to a long, expressive and beautifully layered finish.

Structure: A harmonious combination of concentrated fruit, freshness, polished tannins and refined oak integration.

Ageing Potential: Opus One identifies the 2021 vintage as suitable for extended cellaring, with the potential to develop additional complexity over several decades when stored under appropriate conditions.

The 2021 vintage is composed of five classic Bordeaux grape varieties, with Cabernet Sauvignon accounting for the overwhelming majority of the final blend.

• Cabernet Sauvignon: 93%
• Cabernet Franc: 4%
• Petit Verdot: 2%
• Merlot: 0.5%
• Malbec: 0.5%
• Skin Contact: 19 days
• Barrel Ageing: 19½ months
• Oak: New French oak

The extended maturation in new French oak complements the concentration of the 2021 vintage, contributing refined structure and complexity while allowing the wine's dark-fruit character to remain prominent.

• Serving Temperature: Approximately 16–18°C to highlight the wine's dark-fruit aromas, texture and structural balance.
• Glassware: Serve in a generous Bordeaux-style wine glass to allow its complex aromas to develop.
• Decanting: Taste the wine upon opening. If additional aeration is desired, consider decanting for approximately 30–60 minutes, adjusting according to the wine's condition and evolution.
• Cellaring: Store bottles horizontally in a consistently cool, dark and vibration-free environment, ideally around 12–15°C.
• Ageing Potential: Suitable for extended cellaring. The winery anticipates that the wine can develop over decades with attentive storage.
• Serving Occasion: Ideal for fine dining, special celebrations, wine collecting and carefully curated tasting experiences.

This serving and cellaring guidance is provided by Barrels & Beyond PH and is supplemental to Opus One's official vintage information. Actual bottle condition depends on provenance and storage history.

The concentrated dark fruit, refined tannins and structured character of Opus One 2021 make it particularly well suited to richly flavoured meat dishes, savoury preparations and carefully aged cheeses.

• Prime Rib and Ribeye: Grilled or roasted premium beef, particularly dry-aged cuts with pronounced savoury character.
• Beef Tenderloin: Roasted beef tenderloin served with red wine reduction, porcini mushrooms or truffle.
• Braised Beef Short Ribs: Slow-cooked beef with rich, concentrated sauces and aromatic herbs.
• Roasted Lamb: Herb-crusted rack of lamb or slow-roasted lamb shoulder with rosemary and garlic.
• Duck Breast: Pan-seared duck breast complemented by a subtle blackberry or cassis reduction.
• Venison and Game: Refined game preparations featuring juniper, thyme, mushrooms or dark-fruit sauces.
• Truffle and Wild Mushrooms: Porcini risotto, truffle-infused dishes or roasted wild mushrooms.
• Aged Cheeses: Aged Comté, Gruyère, mature Cheddar and Parmigiano Reggiano.

These food pairings are suggested by Barrels & Beyond PH and are not presented as official Opus One recommendations.

• Producer: Opus One Winery
• Official Product Name: Opus One 2021
• Vintage: 2021
• Wine Type: Red Wine
• Wine Style: Cabernet Sauvignon-led Bordeaux Blend
• Country: United States
• State: California
• Region: Napa Valley
• Estate Vineyard Location: Oakville AVA
• Cabernet Sauvignon: 93%
• Cabernet Franc: 4%
• Petit Verdot: 2%
• Merlot: 0.5%
• Malbec: 0.5%
• Skin Contact: 19 days
• Barrel Ageing: 19½ months
• Oak: New French oak
• Harvest Period: August 31 – September 24, 2021
• Winemaker: Michael Silacci
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Cellaring: Suitable for extended ageing under proper storage conditions

Opus One was founded through the collaboration of Baron Philippe de Rothschild, proprietor of Château Mouton Rothschild in Bordeaux, and Robert Mondavi, one of the pioneering figures of modern Napa Valley winemaking.

Their shared vision was to create an exceptional Napa Valley wine by combining the traditions of Bordeaux with the innovation and distinctive terroir of California. Opus One has since become one of the most internationally recognised names in American fine wine.

The estate comprises four vineyard parcels in the western portion of Oakville, including two parcels within the celebrated To Kalon Vineyard. The Ballestra and River parcels complement these vineyards and surround the winery.

Under the long-standing direction of winemaker Michael Silacci, the winery has emphasised precise vineyard management, careful fruit selection and thoughtful vinification, balancing traditional methods with technical innovation.

Each vintage reflects the character of its growing season while remaining faithful to the founders' pursuit of balance, complexity, elegance and lasting quality.