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Tasting notes
This is quite possibly one of the most difficult wines to source in the whole of the US: it is so elusive and esoteric that many here at F+R were left scratching their heads when asked what it was a couple of years ago. What we discovered made it seriously interesting as it is produced by the iconic Opus One in such absolutely miniscule quantities that it is virtually unheard of. The Overture is a multi-vintage blend of all five Bordeaux varieties matured in new French Oak, designed to drink sooner than its famous big brother and so will be much more approachable in youth. It is also very well priced considering the pedigree at around half the price of Opus One despite being from the same terroir, the same winemaking team and with the same meticulous attention to detail that has made Opus One so renowned. It is usually only available to buy from a handful of select merchants in the States and then strictly limited to just 12 bottles per customer, but thanks to our extensive supplier network, we have been offered a significant parcel coming direct from California and we are extremely excited to be able to offer these to our customers.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
More reviews and scores
Full bottle 1,363 g. This 2022 release of Opus One's non-vintage second wine is a blend of 2019 and 2018. 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc. Aged for 18 months in French oak. Transparent crimson. Warm red-fruit nose with some herbal quality and a little briariness somehow. Sweet palate entry and only just sufficient acidity for my taste but only the lightest of tannins. This seems ready to drink already although it's not going to decline that fast. Neat, medium finish. Much, much lighter than stereotypical Napa Cabernet! Top-quality oak and hands-off winemaking in evidence but it's very much lighter than Opus One itself.
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.
About the producer
Created by Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild, Opus One is one of the most famous wines and estates in the Napa Valley. Its iconic Cabernet Sauvignon combines the elegance and freshness of Bordeaux with the natural ripeness and opulence of Napa.