Opus One is called Opus because it is a blend. Grapes taken from the reserve vineyards of Robert Mondavi (one of California's premier vineyards) and that of Barroness Phillipine de Rothschild (Mouton-Rothschild is a name synonmous with Wine) from Bordeaux France are combined in an exquisite blend of taste and depth that few wines can hope to match.
A relatively small amount is produced each year which goes for a premium price, usually around $100.00-125.00 for a standard 750ml bottle.
As each year passes, depending on how the yield and conditions were that year, the wine ages further(which is good, since it's a Cabernet Sauvignon and needs to age at least 5 years to be close to it's prime). Meaning also that as it ages, it goes up in value.
In 1996 there were overly abundant cool spring rains and a very warm summer which produced low yields of certain grape varieties in that years harvest. A standard 750ml bottle of 1996 Opus One will fetch between $250.00 and $300.00 today.
Much more than it's collector's value as an "expensive" wine though, it is valued for it's full body, rich flavor and nearly immeasurable depth of character. A truly fine wine in every way. The name "Opus" refers to great collective work in reference to musical composition...because quite simply, drinking Opus One is the wine equivalent of partaking in a great symphony.
This one bottle was important to me, because I have had to sell the rest of my collection over the years. This one represented the seed with which I would rebuild my cellar, when time and money allowed. Granted, it might take me years to rebuild, but I specifically chose that bottle to keep knowing that it would just continue to get better no matter how many years I waited (within reason).
So I kept it out of the sun and turned it as needed in an environmentally controlled environment. Alas...the best laid plans of mice and men.
I will just have to select a different bottle to rebuild with...which in itself may take years.
Cedric
