Overture By Opus One (2018 Release)
In the tradition of many great Bordeaux estates, Opus One produces a fine second wine called Overture. Like the introduction of a great musical piece, Overture, the wine, presents elements of the exceptional work itself, although certainly not in its entirety or full complexity.
Since 1993, we have created Overture as a result of our highly selective process for Opus One. We meticulously cultivate each section of our estate vineyard with the attention to detail and singular focus required to produce Opus One. This diligence carries through the extensive blending process, and not all wine-lots from our estate are chosen for the final Opus One blend.
Yet, when these remaining lots are afforded additional time in French oak barrels, coupled with the added flexibility of blending across multiple vintages, the final wine, Overture, achieves remarkable elegance, complexity and approachability.
As a natural extension of the creation of Opus One, Overture’s varietal composition evolves based on the lot selections made for each vintage. Overture reflects the proportion of Bordeaux-heritage grape varieties planted on our estate: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. Uniquely, Overture captures the essence of our estate across vintages; therefore the exact blend and cellar approach will always differ from Opus One.
Amuse Bouche Au Sommet 2021
"Blackberries, dark plums, cedar, dried herbs, stones and forest floor on the nose follow through to a full body with plush tannins and texture. It's rich yet balanced with a fresh array of blackberries at the center an a constant frame of spices bringing vitality and giving lift to a juicy fruit on the palate. Well crafted and harmonious with a precise, long finish."
- James Suckling, November 2023
"The 2021 Au Sommet is a classy, elegant wine, and also one of the most restrained Cabernets readers will find on Atlas Peak. Blood orange, mint, exotic spice and dried flowers add nuance to a host of dark red fruit flavors. Medium in body and driving, the 2021 is wonderfully vibrant from beginning to end. The long, translucent finish rounds things out in style. Give this a few years to soften."
- Antonio Galloni, December 2023
Coup de Foudre Pinot Noir 2021
Situated at the top of Kings Ridge Road along the Sonoma Coast, the Pinot Noir Vineyard overlooks the Pacific ocean and basks in ample sun and fog at a 2000 feet elevation. The coastal fog keeps it cool in the mornings, but the ridge exposure allows for ample ripening. Strawberry preserve, anise, and spicy notes leap out of the glass. While fresh red fruit and hints of cherry are enveloped by subtle warm toasty oak nuances.
The firm acidity and smooth tannin profile are perfectly balanced.
Only 8 barrels.
Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
2019 Insignia marks the first vintage to include fruit from the new Joseph Phelps vineyard named El Venedito, located in the Oak Knoll District, just south of the winery’s Yountville Vineyard.
The wine was aged for eighteen months in 48% new oak (58% French, 42% American) and 52%
older French and American oak barrels before bottling.
A classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with inviting violet, dark fruit, tobacco, subtle baking spice and earthy dried herb aromatics. The palate is filled with expressive black cherry, blackberry and dark plum, hints of spice box and sweet vanilla bean. A focused, concentrated wine with youthful energy and freshness nimbly balanced by supple tannin structure and finesse.
94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot and 1% Malbec from estate and grower vineyards in St. Helena, south Napa Valley, Oak Knoll District, Stags Leap District and Rutherford in Napa Valley.
Joseph Phelps Insignia 2019
The 2019 Insignia opens with heady aromatics of red fruit, crème de cassis, leafy tobacco and delicate dried rose petals. The palate is juicy and dense with expressive layers of blackberry, raspberry, black currant, and dark chocolate. A dynamic wine offering captivating energy, length, complexity and refinement.
93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec from estate-grown Napa Valley vineyards: 32% Yountville (Oak Knoll District), 23% Banca Dorada (Rutherford), 14% Suscol (South Napa Valley), 14% Home Ranch (St. Helena), 12% Las Rocas (Stags Leap District), 3% Barboza (Stags Leap District), 2% El Venadito (Oak Knoll District).
"Another beautiful wine from this team… It has a classic varietal and incredibly complex nose of crème de cassis, freshly sharpened pencils, green tobacco, and damp earth, with a kiss of background sappy spring flowers. Unquestionably up with the finest vintages of this cuvée, this is legit awesome juice that’s going to offer incredible pleasure over the coming 20-25 years."
- 99 points; Jeb Dunnuck, February 2022
Coup de Foudre Pinot Noir 2019
Situated at the top of Kings Ridge Road along the Sonoma Coast, the Pinot Noir Vineyard overlooks the Pacific Ocean and basks in ample sun and fog at a 2000 feet elevation. The coastal fog keeps it cool in the mornings, but the ridge exposure allows for ample ripening.
Strawberry preserve, anise, and spicy notes leap out of the glass. While fresh red fruit and hints of cherry are enveloped by subtle warm toasty oak nuances. The firm acidity and smooth tannin profile are perfectly balanced.
Aged 14 months in 50% New French Oak, 50% Neutral French Oak. Only 8 barrels.