In 1981, at the Napa Wine Charity Auction, "Napa Medoc" set a record price for an American wine at auction with a single case of $24,000. Since the 1979 and 1980 vintages were first introduced in 1984, Opus 1 has not only vaulted to the top of the U.S. wine list with exceptional quality, but also quickly opened the international market. And has maintained a very high quality, and therefore won the high appreciation of many wine critics, and the famous wine critic James. Top of Suckling's 2016 "Top 100 Wines" list.

In 2005, wine giant Constellation Brands Inc. acquired Robert Mondavi Corporation, giving it a 50% stake in Opus One winery. At present, Opus 1 is jointly owned by Chateau Mouton Rothschild and Constellation, but the winery has independent executive rights for vineyard management, marketing and operation.