Opus One Overture Napa Valley Bottled 2021

Tasting Notes from the Curator

Opus One Overture Napa Valley 2021 offers an elegant medley of complex aromas and flavors that truly capture the soul of its Napa Valley origins. On the nose, experiencing the aromatic grandeur, you are greeted with the vibrant scents of blackberries, sweet dark plums, and juicy cherries. These fruity undertones are gracefully layered with the delicate floral notes of dried rose petals, lending an air of sophistication, intertwined with an earthy forest floor essence.

As the wine caresses your palate, the bold flavors of black currant and blueberries stand out prominently, with fraises du bois adding a touch of delicate sweetness - a nod to the wine’s fruity core. These sensations are married with secondary hints of rich dark chocolate and invigorating coffee, offering depth and complexity.

Texture is key with Overture, as it envelops the mouth with its velvety smoothness while maintaining a gentle hold with powdery tannins, ensuring a structured yet easy-drinking experience. The wine’s acidity is perfectly balanced, providing a vibrant freshness that elevates its juicy and fruit-forward demeanor, showcasing Opus One’s commitment to crafting wines of both elegance and approachability.

Pairings & Suggestions

Opus One Overture Napa Valley 2021 is a versatile companion for a wide range of culinary delights, enhancing each dish with its exquisite flavor profile.

Pair it with rich, grilled meats like lamb chops and beef tenderloin to complement its dark fruit and earthy notes. The velvety texture both supports and elevates these proteins. Alternatively, explore pairing with creamy pasta dishes, such as Fettuccine Alfredo, where the wine’s balanced acidity counters the richness of the sauce.

For cheese courses, aged selections like cheddar or Gruyère shine alongside Overture’s depth. When it comes to desserts, indulge in dark chocolate mousse or a flourless chocolate cake for a harmonious end, each bite bringing out the wine’s inherent chocolate notes.

Feel free to experiment with mushroom dishes or rich gravies, such as Mushroom Risotto or Beef Bourguignon, which resonate with Overture’s minerality and structured flavor.

The Epic Beginnings of Opus One Overture

Opus One Overture is steeped in the rich history of its parentage, with its roots dating back to the pioneering collaboration of wine legends Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi. They sought to merge the best of Bordeaux’s tradition with the fruit-laden exuberance of Napa Valley. The story began at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel in Hawaii in 1970 when these visionary leaders decided to pursue a melding of their winemaking techniques and available terroir.

Since its establishment in 1979, Opus One has grown to symbolize the very essence of luxury and craftsmanship in the wine industry, producing wines that garner international acclaim. Overture, introduced in 1993 as a non-vintage blend, allows enthusiasts to enjoy the signature style of Opus One without the constraints of single vintage offerings.

Striking a balance between elegance and accessibility, Overture draws from the estate’s rich palette of varietals, encapsulating the spirit and dedication of its founders. This fusion has helped to cement Napa Valley’s position on the world stage as a region capable of producing sophisticated and highly sought-after Bordeaux-style wines.

Storage Instructions

To preserve the full quality of Opus One Overture 2021, store it in a dark environment, ideally at a consistent 55°F - 65°F (13°C - 18°C) with humidity around 70%. Always maintain bottles horizontally to keep corks moist. Avoid any vibrations and direct light exposure. Proper storage ensures longevity and the development of complex flavors over time.