Region | |
---|---|
Subregion | U.S.A. > California > Napa Valley |
Colour | Red |
Type | Still |
The origins of Opus One's Overture go back to 1993, but it was only available for purchase at the winery until 2014. It has only been available in the UK since 2016, in small volumes, due to demand beyond America's borders. The latest vintage is a blend of 2017 and 2018, bottled in 2020. Deep ruby in colour, it is full of soft, plummy fruit on the nose and a hint of sweet spice. The palate is round and gently framed by soft, ripe tannins. There is real attention to the approachability of this wine, with succulent, smoky black fruit bursting forward yet the retained edge of Cabernet Sauvignon keeps everything in check. Silky through to the finish, this is drinkable already but will no doubt drink well for a decade or more.
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. First vintage 1993 but primarily sold cellar door, sold internationally as of 2016.