Ever since 1981, when a single case of Opus One sold at auction for $24,000, the highest price ever paid for a California wine, to say that there is a mystique about this wine is to greatly understate the case. The story of it's creation, the men who created it and the wine itself, are all the stuff of legends.

In 1970, as the United States was emerging as a growing force in the production of fine wines, the Baron Phillipe de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi, met in Hawaii and discussed the possibility of the two giants combining their talents to produce a wine of superior quality in California. The idea was appealing, but it would take until 1979 before their first wine was produced, and 1980 before it was introduced to the world. By the time the now famous auction had taken place in 1981, Opus One had become one of the most celebrated wines ever to be produced in this country.

The first Opus One vintages were created by winemakers, Lucien Sionneau and Timothy Mondavi. In 1985, following M. Sionneau's retirement, Patrick Léon took over the winemaking duties at Château Mouton -Rothschild and along with Timothy Mondavi, at Opus One, as well.

Following the death of Phillipe in 1988, the Baroness Phillipine de Rothschild took over the family's winemaking interests.

More information about Opus One can be found on their website:

www.opusonewinery.com
In Southampton, on a Sunday evening in the middle of October, you probably wouldn't have too much trouble getting a table at a fine restaurant...even at the Plaza Cafe! However, that was not the case on October 15th, 2000.

Every seat was taken for the Opus One dinner as wine lovers from far and near gathered to enjoy a truly rare experience; the area's first tasting of an Opus One vintage (1997) , an inspired menu of dishes specially created for the occasion by Chef Gulija, two additional Opus vintages, as well as a Mondavi chardonnay and Rothschild's sauterne.

France Posener, Opus One's charming and gracious Eastern Divisional Sales Manager, presented the program assisted Damian Carauna representing the Robert Mondavi Winery.
Pumpkin-Lobster Bisque with Truffle Cream
(Served in a Mini-Pumpkin surrounded by Micro-Greens in a Pumpkin Seed Vinaigrette)
|1997 ROBERT MONDAVI CHARDONNAY RESERVE

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Local Monkfish 'Ossobuco'
with Braised Lentils, Savoy Cabbage
and Red Wine Lobster Sauce
1984 OPUS ONE

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Seared Tuna Wrapped in Bacon
with Porcini Risotto and topped with
Foie Gras
1993 OPUS ONE

***

Grilled Petite Filet Mignon
with Roquefort Polenta
accompanied by Chanterelles and
Brussels Sprout Leaves
1997 OPUS ONE

***

Poached Pear Stuffed with Mascarpone,
Wrapped in Pastry and Served with a
Hazelnut Crème Anglais
1997 BARON DE ROTHSCHILD SAUTERNES
France Posener and Chef Gulija being congratulated after the Opus One dinner.
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