Today, the “Grand Cru” is one of California’s most famous wines and has developed a keen following in more than 90 countries. ![]() Michael Silacci was appointed winemaker and became the first person to assume full responsibility for viticulture and winemaking. The wine conglomerate thus acquired a 50% stake in the estate, though it was agreed that vineyard management and winemaking would be independently overseen by Opus One – headed by David Pearson at the time. In 2004, four years before his death, Mondavi relinquished his share at Opus One and sold his company to Constellation Brands. After a long career at the helm of Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Philippe de Rothschild died in 1988 at the age of 86 and was succeeded by his daughter Baroness Philippine de Rothschild. Since those pioneering early days, the leadership has changed. The brand’s first vintages (19) were simultaneously released in 1984 and quickly became international news. In 1981, however, the founders began acquiring their own vineyards and went on to purchase around 56 hectares of land in just three years. The first vintage was produced in 1979 from the best vineyards of Mondavi’s winery in Oakville. Opus One was founded in 1978 as a joint venture of Baron Philippe de Rothschild and the celebrated American winemaker Robert Mondavi. In a Liv-ex interview in 2016, Pearson said that his road to Opus One “was a result of the fortunate chain of events” through his work for Rothschild and Mondavi, and that through the years “everything at Opus One has evolved and changed, while we have stayed true to the original vision of our founders”. Pearson has stood as CEO since 2004 and has worked for BPR and Mondavi since the early 90’s. Grape varieties planted: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, Petit VerdotĮarlier this year came the announcement that David Pearson, the long-time CEO of Opus One, will be leaving the Napa Valley estate to embark on a new project with Bill Harlan (Harlan Estate, Promontory, Meadowood, Bond). The Liv-ex Classification 2019: 2 nd tier ![]() ![]() and Constellation Brandsįounders: Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi Owners: Baronne Philippe de Rothschild, S.A. Location: Oakville, Napa Valley, California
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