Opus One
Overture Napa Valley Petit Verdot Blend
Napa Valley, California, USA
I blinded some of my fellow WSET Diplomates on this and one astutely observed “it tastes like Opus One” whilst others thought it was too Old World in style to be such a thing. In short, we all liked it better than we have Opus One, if you can believe it. Believe it.
I blinded some of my fellow WSET Diplomates on this and one astutely observed “it tastes like Opus One” whilst others thought it was too Old World in style to be such a thing. In short, we all liked it better than we have Opus One, if you can believe it. Believe it.
Jul 30th, 2024
Opus One is a partnership by Baron Philippe de Rothschild of France and Napa Valley’s, Robert Mondavi. Beginning in 1993 Opus One created a 2nd wine, Overture, was only available at the winery, now in wine shops. A multi-vintage blend, about 70% Cabernet Sauvignon. Nice fresh fruit aromas, sweet and ripe. On the palate cherry and blackberry, with earthy tones, Bordeaux like, adding notes of cacao and vanilla oak. Fine tannins, lingering ending with earthy mineral. Since no vintage, this wine could become old sitting on shelf. Pricey, other great wines for less.
Opus One is a partnership by Baron Philippe de Rothschild of France and Napa Valley’s, Robert Mondavi. Beginning in 1993 Opus One created a 2nd wine, Overture, was only available at the winery, now in wine shops. A multi-vintage blend, about 70% Cabernet Sauvignon. Nice fresh fruit aromas, sweet and ripe. On the palate cherry and blackberry, with earthy tones, Bordeaux like, adding notes of cacao and vanilla oak. Fine tannins, lingering ending with earthy mineral. Since no vintage, this wine could become old sitting on shelf. Pricey, other great wines for less.
2 people found it helpfulJan 15th, 2018
Despite 10+ year age, this bottle needed extensive decanting. But then it expressed strong dark fruit, especially dark cherries with a hint of anise. Was an excellent accompaniment with a beef tenderloin with morel mushroom sauce. The wine was so good that my 22 yo and his friend loved the wine with the tenderloin. A special wine to celebrate graduation.
Despite 10+ year age, this bottle needed extensive decanting. But then it expressed strong dark fruit, especially dark cherries with a hint of anise. Was an excellent accompaniment with a beef tenderloin with morel mushroom sauce. The wine was so good that my 22 yo and his friend loved the wine with the tenderloin. A special wine to celebrate graduation.
1 person found it helpfulMay 20th, 2021
Vintage composition of 2014-15. Dark chocolate, dates, vegetation, plush plums, blackberries, boysenberries, eucalyptus, graphite, nuanced vanilla. Such a delicious blend.
Vintage composition of 2014-15. Dark chocolate, dates, vegetation, plush plums, blackberries, boysenberries, eucalyptus, graphite, nuanced vanilla. Such a delicious blend.
1 person found it helpfulJul 30th, 2020Tartine lasagna dinner
Tartine lasagna dinner
1 person found it helpfulApr 7th, 2020
This never ceases to amaze. It’s “just” a second wine but the high standards and consistency are outstanding. This was bought on release in 2012 (so despite it being an NV it’s probably a mix of the 2010-2011 vintage?).
This never ceases to amaze. It’s “just” a second wine but the high standards and consistency are outstanding. This was bought on release in 2012 (so despite it being an NV it’s probably a mix of the 2010-2011 vintage?).
1 person found it helpfulJan 1st, 2019Balanced, dark fruit and very smooth
Balanced, dark fruit and very smooth
1 person found it helpfulNov 17th, 2018
Cocoa, plum, ripe fruits, hint of spearmint, oaky with smooth tannins
Cocoa, plum, ripe fruits, hint of spearmint, oaky with smooth tannins
1 person found it helpfulSep 15th, 2018
Opus One Overture Red Blend N/V
Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸
Overview
A second wine from Opus One Winery, Overture is crafted as a multi-vintage Bordeaux-style blend, mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with smaller portions of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. Unlike the estate’s grand vin, Overture blends across several vintages to achieve harmony, depth, and consistency. This wine edition includes 2014, 2015, and 2016, vintages that shows the elegance and complexity of extended barrel aging.
Aromas & Flavors
Nose: red currants, ripe cherry, and fresh red fruit, wrapped in earthy tones of mahogany, cocoa powder, and vanilla spice.
Palate: rounded and expressive, with plush dark fruit layered over subtle tobacco, cedar, and espresso. The oak influence creates warmth and complexity without overwhelming the fruit.
Mouthfeel
Medium-to-full-bodied, velvety in texture, with smooth tannins and a long, polished finish. The extended oak elevates its creaminess, while freshness keeps it balanced.
Winemaking & Style
Barrel-aged longer than the main Opus One lots, this wine achieves silky integration of fruit and oak. The flexibility of blending across vintages results in a wine of remarkable harmony and immediate drinkability, while still capable of short-term aging.
Food Pairing
Excellent with grilled ribeye, lamb shanks, duck breast, or mushroom risotto. Also pairs beautifully with aged cheeses or a dark chocolate finale.
Verdict
A luxurious, multi-vintage blend that captures the soul of Opus One in a more approachable, versatile package. Refined, elegant, and deeply satisfying, Overture is a wine to savor now or cellar briefly for added nuance.
Opus One Overture Red Blend N/V
Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸
Overview
A second wine from Opus One Winery, Overture is crafted as a multi-vintage Bordeaux-style blend, mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with smaller portions of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. Unlike the estate’s grand vin, Overture blends across several vintages to achieve harmony, depth, and consistency. This wine edition includes 2014, 2015, and 2016, vintages that shows the elegance and complexity of extended barrel aging.
Aromas & Flavors
Nose: red currants, ripe cherry, and fresh red fruit, wrapped in earthy tones of mahogany, cocoa powder, and vanilla spice.
Palate: rounded and expressive, with plush dark fruit layered over subtle tobacco, cedar, and espresso. The oak influence creates warmth and complexity without overwhelming the fruit.
Mouthfeel
Medium-to-full-bodied, velvety in texture, with smooth tannins and a long, polished finish. The extended oak elevates its creaminess, while freshness keeps it balanced.
Winemaking & Style
Barrel-aged longer than the main Opus One lots, this wine achieves silky integration of fruit and oak. The flexibility of blending across vintages results in a wine of remarkable harmony and immediate drinkability, while still capable of short-term aging.
Food Pairing
Excellent with grilled ribeye, lamb shanks, duck breast, or mushroom risotto. Also pairs beautifully with aged cheeses or a dark chocolate finale.
Verdict
A luxurious, multi-vintage blend that captures the soul of Opus One in a more approachable, versatile package. Refined, elegant, and deeply satisfying, Overture is a wine to savor now or cellar briefly for added nuance.