Wines Napa Valley Opus One - Overture

Viniou Reviews

Opus One Overture is an exceptional red wine from California’s renowned Napa Valley AVA, crafted by the prestigious Opus One estate. While not bearing a specific vintage, Overture is a multi-vintage blend, composed primarily of Bordeaux varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. This approach allows the winemakers to blend several harvest years to achieve a seamless house style, combining the opulence and structure of Napa fruit with the elegance characteristic of this iconic producer. The vinification marries traditional Bordeaux methods with state-of-the-art New World techniques, resulting in a deeply coloured, aromatic wine with layers of blackcurrant, plum, cedar, tobacco leaf, and a gentle thread of savoury spice.

Napa Valley, located north of San Francisco, is one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions. Its climate is heavily influenced by both the Pacific Ocean and the San Pablo Bay, resulting in warm, sunny days balanced by cool nights—ideal for the slow, even ripening of Bordeaux varieties. The diversity of soils, ranging from volcanic to sedimentary and alluvial types, imparts both power and finesse. The valley’s winemaking history is relatively recent but vibrant, transforming from humble beginnings in the 19th century to a global centre of fine wine following the 1976 Judgement of Paris. Today, Napa upholds an impressive reputation for top-quality Cabernet Sauvignon and blends that rival the finest in the world.

Given its body, structure, and complexity, Overture pairs beautifully with richly flavoured dishes. Roasted or grilled meats such as prime rib, rack of lamb, or duck breast allow the wine’s tannins to soften and its fruit to shine. Mushroom risotto or aubergine parmigiana would suit vegetarians, while American classics like barbecued short ribs or even a refined cheeseburger would be wonderful with this blend. For a regional twist, try it alongside a tri-tip steak—a nod to Californian cuisine.

For best enjoyment, decant Overture for an hour to allow full aromatic expression, and serve at 16-18°C. This showcases the wine’s depth, silkiness, and nuance while maintaining its freshness and vibrancy.