Opus One, a renowned winery in Napa Valley, represents a unique blend of Bordeaux and Californian traditions. Established as a collaboration between Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi, it has been an emblem of luxury wine since its first release in 1984. The winery’s philosophy revolves around creating premium blends from its estate vineyard, contrasting with the common Napa practice of sourcing grapes from multiple regions.
The investment landscape for Opus One has piqued interest, particularly as its recent vintages remain consistent in both quality and pricing. On average, a case of 12 bottles is priced at just under £3,000, with an impressive average score of 97 points from Decanter ratings. This positioning makes it slightly more affordable than iconic Bordeaux estates like Château Cheval Blanc or Château Haut-Brion, despite sharing similar average scores.
The secondary market has shown resilience, particularly for recent vintages. Notably, 2020 saw no release due to wildfire smoke taint, yet other vintages like 2022, which scored 97-points, are currently priced at £2,590 for a case. Meanwhile, the 2018 vintage is highlighted for being a striking blend of elegance and precision, available at a slight discount compared to its 2019 and 2021 counterparts.
A standout in the collection is the 2013 vintage, which scored an impressive 100 points, described as deep and flavorful by critic Jane Anson. Despite the acclaim, it remains modestly priced at £3,050, creating potential for collectors interested in high-scoring wines.
With the anticipated release of the 2023 vintage, expected to garner attention due to its projected score of 98 points, collectors may find new opportunities to invest in a classic brand that continues to uphold its reputation for excellence.
For further details, visit the Opus One website and explore the market dynamics presented by Liv-ex.