Opus One Overture Meritage NV (750ml)

Overture is the second wine of Opus One originally created in 1993 and for many years available only at the winery.  It is a multi vintage wine, made from a blend of the five classic Bordeaux varieties and aged for 18 months in French oak.  Overture is a true expression of Opus One’s estate vineyards

 

Opus One Overture Meritage

 

A timeless expression of our estate vineyards, Overture is full bodied but approachable in its youth.  Overture shows generous dark fruit aromas and flavors with a soft, supple mid-palate.

 

Elegance and Complexity

 

Overture reflects the winemaker’s artistry by showcasing the talent of blending five traditional Bordeaux grape varieties and capturing terroir characteristics of the same variety grown in different soils.  However, Overture’s third blending aspect – that of marrying multiple vintages – yields a softer, rounder expression of our estate that can be enjoyed upon release.

 

The Essence of Place

 

Overture is a timeless reflection of our Opus One estate vineyards.  This remarkable terroir expresses itself in the complex aromas, flavors and especially, textures of Overture.  The classic blackberry and cassis character of Cabernet Sauvignon melds seamlessly with the black cherry, red currant and violet from the Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec.  The blending of wine-lots across vintages and extended barrel aging give Overture a supple structure and silky texture.

 

 

Opus One

 

One wine of absolute quality

 

Opus One, the realized dream of two men:  was founded by Baron Philippe de Rothschild, legendary proprietor of Château Mouton Rothschild, and renowned Napa Valley Vintner Robert Mondavi.  Together, our founders set out to create a single wine dedicated to the pursuit of uncompromising quality.  This singular mission shapes every vintage, today and for generations to come.

 

Baron Philippe De Rothschild

 

“Wine is born, then it lives.

But it never dies, in man it lives on.”

 

Robert Mondavi

 

“Wine to me is passion. 

It’s family and friends. 

It’s warmth of heart and generosity of spirit.”

 

By combining the great winemaking traditions and innovations of both families, the founders’ singular goal was to create an exceptional wine in the heart of Napa Valley.

 

Great winemaking begins in the vineyard.  When our founders created Opus One, they dreamed of a great wine that would transcend generations.  Nearly four decades later, we continue to refine the complex subtleties of Opus One by honoring traditional methods and the continual pursuit of innovation and improvement.

 

The Estate

 

Rising gently from the earth around it, the Opus One winery does not rush to reveal itself.  The building sits in harmony with its natural surroundings, offering a soft transition from the vineyard to its lush, green grass exterior.  Just as it honors the land, it honors the light.

 

Where great winemaking begins

 

Four meticulously hedged vineyard parcels form the Opus One estate.  Here, the vineyard team cultivates five traditional Bordeaux grape varieties with experience, passion and dedication.  This essential human touch brings forth the characteristics of each vintage through a balance of delicate coaxing and gentle restraint.

 

Four Estate Vineyards

 

The estate vineyards of Opus One, comprised of 4 parcels, sit in the western portion of the famed Oakville AVA.  Two parcels, totaling 100 acres, are within the renowned To Kalon Vineyard.  These are complemented by the combined 70 acres of the Ballestra and River parcels, which envelop the winery.  In the vineyards, hand-harvesting and other traditional approaches are taken wherever they work best.  When modern techniques benefit the winegrowing process, they are researched, evaluated and integrated into practice.

 

The art of the cellar

 

Guided by the vision of our founders, our winemaker, Michael Silacci, combines intuition and technical acumen with the dual perspective of viticulturist and winemaker.  From tasting berries to careful sorting and extended aging in new French oak barrels, each stage of the winemaking process is afforded the same meticulous consideration and attention.  After 18 months, the wine is bottled and held an additional 15 months until release on October 1st each year.

 

Stewardship of the environment

 

As farmers and artisans, deeply concerned with our collective future, Opus One recognizes that sustainability practices benefit the winery, our neighbors and our customers.  The culture and internal practices at Opus One reflect our commitment to conservation and responsible consumption in the areas of energy, water, waste management, transportation, purchasing, and food.  Opus One has been certified as a green winery as part of the Napa Valley Vintners- Napa Green Initiative, and is implementing more than 100 favorable and environmentally friendly procedures.