Opus One Overture NV (Release 2021)

- 16,5 Punkte JANCIS ROBINSON: „Full bottle 1,357 g. Not ridiculously heavy. 2021's release of this non-vintage blend of 'the five classic Bordeaux's varieties and aged for 18 months in French oak' based on the two very different vintages 2018 and 2017. 'Overture is a true expression of Opus One's estate vineyards', we are assured. Bottle ID: Z359-A72C.
Very dark – blackish – crimson with a pale rim. Mellow, ripe, utterly Napa Valley nose but without excessive concentration. Really delightful to drink now with some (but not excessive) sweetness, a bit of inkiness and mellow mulberry fruit. Long follow-through and the merest hint of rusty nails on the end – but nothing intrusive. Gorgeous up to the finish which is really rather sudden. Were it not for that I would have been tempted to give it 17.“

- 93 Punkte JANE ANSON: „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. 2024-2042.“

- 93 Punkte DECANTER, Georgina Hindle: „A multi-vintage blend of mostly 2018 and some 2017, this is a fine, fruity and extremely likable second wine from Opus. It has good construction on the palate with blackcurrants, Morello cherries and soft wood spicing with concentration and drive. The aromas and flavours open and evolve after a few minutes in the glass giving succulent sweet cherry and blueberry notes alongside some savoury olive and ash elements. Overture comprises roughly 10-15% of the total Opus production. First released 1993 and was, until 2014, primarily sold via cellar door. More than 50 lots are vinified separately then blended and aged for 17 months in French oak, 50% new. Drinking Window 2022 – 2031“