Opus One Overture N.V. Napa Valley 《Terroir Collection - TUS007》

Region : Napa Valley, California, USA

Grapes : 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc

Alcohol : 14%

Website : https://en.opusonewinery.com/

🏅 Decanter 93 pts

🏅 Vivino 4.5

Elegance and Complexity

Overture reflects the winemaker’s artistry by showcasing the talent of blending five traditional Bordeaux grape varieties and capturing terroir characteristics of the same variety grown in different soils. However, Overture’s third blending aspect – that of marrying multiple vintages – yields a softer, rounder expression of our estate that can be enjoyed upon release.

The Essence of Place

Overture is a timeless reflection of our Opus One estate vineyards. This remarkable terroir expresses itself in the complex aromas, flavors and especially, textures of Overture. The classic blackberry and cassis character of Cabernet Sauvignon melds seamlessly with the black cherry, red currant and violet from the Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec.  The blending of wine-lots across vintages and extended barrel aging give Overture a supple structure and silky texture.

Opus One is the realized dream of two men: Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Chateau Mouton Rothschild in Bordeaux and Napa Valley vintner Robert Mondavi. Together, our founders set out to create a single wine dedicated to the pursuit of uncompromising quality. This singular mission shapes every vintage, today and for generations to come.

Great winemaking begins in the vineyard. When our founders created Opus One, they dreamed of a great wine that would transcend generations. Nearly four decades later, we continue to refine the complex subtleties of Opus One by honoring traditional methods and the continual pursuit of innovation and improvement.

The estate vineyards of Opus One, comprised of four parcels, sit in the western portion of the famed Oakville AVA. Two parcels, totaling 100 acres, are within the renowned To Kalon Vineyard.  These are complemented by the combined 70 acres of the Ballestra and River parcels, which envelop the winery.  In the vineyards, hand-harvesting and other traditional approaches are taken wherever they work best.  When modern techniques benefit the winegrowing process, they are researched, evaluated and integrated into practice.

Guided by the vision of our founders, our winemaker, Michael 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.

intense aromas of black plum, blueberry, black currant, and dried rose petals, accentuated by mineral undertones. The creamy, satiny texture is framed by fine-grained tannins. The freshness and soft glow of acidity create a subtle tension with dark fruit flavors, savory herbs, espresso, and cocoa. A delicate dark chocolate bitterness lingers on the finish.

🏅 Decanter 93 pts

Little by little the team at Opus is refining the style of Overture, although it remains a riper, fruitier wine than the main bottling. A blend of the 2017 and (majority) 2018 vintages, this has a Californian generosity, but is firm in its tannic structure with softening raspberry and blueberry fruits. It really needs a little time to open in the glass, when a heather, peony and olive tapenade character comes out. Still quite a step between Overture and Opus but this is appealing and succulent.

$1150/bottle