Viniou Reviews
Opus One's Overture 2021 is a remarkable expression of Napa Valley winemaking, embodying sophistication and finesse. Crafted from a blend of Bordeaux varietals, primarily Cabernet Sauvignon complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec, Overture is designed as a multi-vintage cuvée allowing harmony from different harvests. The 2021 bottling benefits from meticulous vineyard care across selected Napa Valley plots, with prime attention to sustainable practices and hand-harvesting. Vinification is precise, with careful extraction and a judicious ageing regime in French oak barrels, aimed at highlighting ripe fruit, structure, and nuanced integration of oak. The resulting wine is deep-hued, with aromas of cassis, dark cherries, subtle violet, and refined notes of cedar, tobacco, and vanilla, underpinned by velvety tannins and a long, elegant finish.
Napa Valley itself is a hallowed region in Californian and global wine history. With a warm Mediterranean climate moderated by fog from San Pablo Bay, Napa's diurnal temperature swings help preserve freshness in the fruit. Soils are strikingly diverse—volcanic, alluvial, and clay—offering complexity and nuance to the finished wines. Since gaining world recognition in the 1970s, Napa has become synonymous with new-world interpretations of Bordeaux blends, consistently producing wines of power, balance, and depth, as exemplified by Opus One.
Food pairings for Overture take full advantage of its structure and depth. Roasted meats such as rack of lamb, grilled ribeye, or slow-cooked beef brisket align beautifully with its robust profile. On the regional side, consider classic American dishes like prime rib or barbecue short ribs, enhanced by savoury jus or earthy mushroom sauces. Mature cheeses, particularly aged cheddar or Comté, also provide a sublime match.
For optimal enjoyment, decant Overture 2021 for at least one hour before serving, allowing its layered aromatics to unfold. Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C to fully reveal its complexity, supple texture and lingering finish. This wine promises further development with a few years in the cellar, but is already delightful in its youth for those eager to experience the breadth of Napa winemaking.
