| ABOUT OPUS ONE AND WINEMAKER MICHAEL SILACCI
Opus One: An expression of time and place
The essence of time is expressed in Opus One by the character of each vintage. Place, often defined as terroir, represents the geography, the climate and the essential human element which is captured in the wine’s balance between power and finesse, structure and texture.
Built to honor the founders' vision
Rising gracefully from the vineyards, Opus One stands in subtle celebration of the land and the open space that surrounds the estate. It remains an ongoing testament to the founders’ vision of a singular wine that transcends generations.
About Michael Silacci
Michael Silacci joined Opus One in March 2001 as director of viticulture and enology and became winemaker in January of 2004, taking on responsibility for all aspects of vineyard management and winemaking.
Prior to his appointment at Opus One, Mr. Silacci spent 6 years as winemaker at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, one year as winemaker at King Estate in Oregon, and 6 years at Beaulieu Vineyard. He also made wine in France and Chile. Mr. Silacci holds a master's degree in viticulture from the University of
California, Davis in addition to undergraduate degrees in enology from the University of California, Davis and the Institut d'Oenologie at the Université de Bordeaux.
Advancing a holistic vision of winegrowing as the ultimate expression of terroir, Mr. Silacci ensures that the connection between viticulture and winemaking at Opus One is seamless, reflecting the philosophy of founders Baron Philippine de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi. Guided by this philosophy, Mr. Silacci combines intuition and technical acumen with the dual perspective of viticulturist and winemaker. From tasting berries to careful sorting and extended aging in new French oak barrels, each stage of the winemaking process is afforded the same meticulous consideration and attention. After 18 months, the wine is bottled and held an additional 15 months until release on October 1st each year.
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