Frequently Asked Questions
The Opus One Overture Red 2021 is a masterful Bordeaux-style blend from Napa Valley's renowned Opus One estate, crafted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. This vintage marks the first dated release of Overture, showcasing fresh aromas of plum, blackberry, and cherry, complemented by enticing notes of dried rose petal, forest floor, and mineral nuances. On the palate, it offers a juicy, vibrant profile with layers of black currant, blueberry, and fraises du bois, finishing with velvety tannins, subtle hints of dark chocolate, coffee, and a well-integrated acidity. Perfect for immediate enjoyment or cellaring, this wine pairs beautifully with rich, savory dishes like grilled meats or truffle-infused pasta, making it a luxurious choice for any occasion.
Process & Profile
Crafted with precision and care, the Opus One Overture Red 2021 is the first vintage-dated bottling of the esteemed second wine from Opus One. This Bordeaux-style blend is composed of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot, and 3% Merlot. The 2021 vintage benefited from one of the driest years in the region's history, yielding grapes of exceptional concentration and flavor. The wine was meticulously aged for 19.5 months in French oak barrels, resulting in a rich, multi-dimensional character. Delivering a robust yet approachable profile, this wine exemplifies the Opus One commitment to excellence.Tasting Notes
The Overture Red 2021 greets the senses with fresh, vibrant aromas of plum, blackberry, and cherry, complemented by intriguing notes of dried rose petal, forest floor, and earthy minerality. On the palate, it unveils layers of black currant, blueberry, and wild strawberries ("fraises du bois"), with subtle hints of coffee and dark chocolate rounding out the finish. The wine's velvety texture, fine-grained tannins, and perfectly integrated acidity create a harmony that lingers elegantly.What Makes It Special
- Estate-Grown Excellence: Produced from organically cultivated estate vineyards, including the renowned To Kalon Vineyard in Oakville, this wine exemplifies terroir-driven craftsmanship.
- Aged to Perfection: The extended barrel aging in French oak enhances the complexity, blending fruit and spice seamlessly for a well-rounded experience.
- Sophisticated Blend: Each varietal in the blend contributes distinct characteristics, from the bold structure of Cabernet Sauvignon to the aromatic finesse of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.
- Historic Vintage: As the first vintage-dated release for Overture, the 2021 edition offers a glimpse into both the Opus One ethos and the singular qualities of the harvest year.
How to Enjoy
- Pairing Suggestions: Elevate your next meal with perfect pairings like grilled ribeye steak, roasted duck, truffle-infused pasta, or rich, earthy dishes. The wine's depth harmonizes beautifully with savory and herbaceous flavors.
- Serving Tips: Decant for 30 minutes to allow the wine to open up and display its full bouquet. Serve slightly below room temperature (around 60–65°F) for optimal enjoyment.
- Cellaring Potential: While the Overture Red 2021 is deliciously approachable now, it also has excellent aging potential. Cellar it for up to 10 years to see its flavors evolve and deepen in complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Opus One Overture 2021?
Opus One Overture 2021 is the first vintage-dated bottling of the second wine of the iconic Opus One estate. It is a Bordeaux-style blend that showcases aromas of plum, blackberry, and cherry, complemented by dried rose petal, forest floor, and earthy minerality. The palate features flavors of black currant, blueberry, and fraises du bois with a velvety texture and powdery tannins, rounded out by notes of coffee and dark chocolate.
What grape varieties are used in Overture 2021?
The wine is predominantly a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (89%), with smaller percentages of Cabernet Franc (4%), Petit Verdot (4%), and Merlot (3%).
How is Overture 2021 aged?
The wine is aged for 19 ¬Ω months in new French oak barrels, which helps integrate the flavors and develop its rich complexity.
What is the style and alcohol content of Overture 2021?
Overture 2021 is characterized as a full-bodied red wine with rich, robust flavors. Its alcohol content is 13.5%.
What makes Overture different from the flagship Opus One wine?
Overture is crafted with a different focus than Opus One. While Opus One emphasizes perfecting blends for individual vintages, Overture highlights the diversity of the estate and is designed to be approachable, with softer tannins, creamy texture, and greater versatility. Unlike Opus One, which is strictly vintage-specific, Overture integrates unique aspects of the growing season with a balance of red fruit and herbal characteristics.
What foods pair well with Overture 2021?
This wine pairs beautifully with rich and savory dishes, such as USDA Prime ribeye steak, dry-aged beef, Iberian pork with mole, or truffled steak frites. Its structured tannins and dark fruit notes also complement indulgent accompaniments like rosemary butter or creamy marrow.
Is Overture 2021 organic or sustainable?
The vineyards and winery practices for Opus One emphasize sustainability. Opus One is certified as a Napa Green winery, implementing over 100 environmentally-friendly policies, including water conservation and land management.
What is the history of Overture?
Introduced in 1993, Overture has traditionally been a blend of multiple vintages. However, starting with the 2021 vintage, it became the first vintage-dated Overture, reflecting the character of a single growing season while maintaining the hallmark softness and approachability of previous blends.
What is the price of Overture 2021?
The price of Overture 2021 typically ranges around $195 per bottle, though pricing may vary depending on the retailer.
Can Overture 2021 be cellared, and for how long?
Overture 2021 is designed to be enjoyed upon release, thanks to its approachable palate, but it can also benefit from short- to medium-term cellaring to further develop its nuanced flavors and structure.
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