Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Opus One – Overture Red Blend N/V 🍷
A symphonic second wine by Opus One, this multi-vintage blend (2014, 2015, 2016) was acquired in 2019, right before the shift toward vintage-specific releases like the 2021 onwards.

Crafted primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this bottle reflects Napa’s grandeur with flexibility in blending and extended time in barrel, allowing for elegance, depth, and harmony to shine through.

👃 Aromatics open with expressive layers of ripe cherry, red currant, and a fresh, youthful lift of red fruit.
👄 On the palate: a beautifully rounded texture, woven with earthy cocoa, mahogany, and subtle vanilla. Silky tannins and a graceful structure speak of its extra time in oak, building toward a soft yet persistent finish.

Overall mouthfeel: Plush, polished, and deeply enjoyable. The structure and spice make it ideal for grilled meats, braised dishes, or contemplative sipping.

A timeless expression, not just a second label, but a well-composed tribute to the artistry of Mondavi & Rothschild, and a celebration of Napa’s capacity to age with finesse. 🥂 — 5 days ago

Jay Kline

9.4

Opened and decanted hours prior to dinner; enjoyed over the course of a couple hours. The 1989 appears a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of tart, ripe, and dried fruits: cassis, blackberries, black cherry, black plum, tobacco, Poblano pepper, mixed dried flowers, some cocoa, pencil shavings, dried green herbs, a touch of leather, some organic and gravelly earth and fine warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin (integrated) and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. Fabulous stuff with plenty of fuel left in the tank. Drink now through 2039. — 22 days ago

Jay Kline

9.2

Decanted prior to service; enjoyed over the course of several hours. This bottle of the 1982 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core and some rim variation; medium viscosity with light staining of the tears and signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with a mix of tart, ripe and dried, mostly black fruits: cassis, blackberries, tobacco, dried flowers, grilled Poblano, leather, dry gravelly earth, and fine warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin (integrated) and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. One of the earliest vintages of Opus One, this is showing really well at the moment. Drink now through 2042. — 22 days ago

Dave

9.4

The mocha is strong with this one. So is the mint. Let's call it a York Peppermint Patty.
Listening to Tripping Daisy. Was never a fan, but they killed it last night and I got to chat up the singer. Their music would be better with Gamay. — 15 days ago

Ira Schwartz

9.5

Keeps going from strength to strength.
One can easily be fooled by this champagne’s light texture but make no mistake about it, this packs a punch! Similar to my previous bottle in 2023 but with more power, .Almost too easy to drink. — 2 months ago

Pinotman /// Andreas

9.0

Plenty of tannins left. 25bucks. Those were the days! 14%| Quite classic. Browne tinge. Needs at least 2-3 hours of air. Quite harsh and astringent. Roses, earthy and dusty, very dry. Hint of truffles. - Not super exciting at first (15min) so wait. Will last another 10 years - but i do worry about the fruit component if you need space in your cellar - i would suggest drink up. I will. Some folks tend to hype these wines i don’t - after all this is their most basic version with a large production volume. Total volume is 500,000 bottles a year at this cooperative. My guess they to make a lot of this one. — 2 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

One of the most aromatic and expressive Chardonnays from the Russian River Valley. The nose is a vibrant bouquet of toasted hazelnut, lemon zest, apricot, cantaloupe, lavender, and crème brûlée. Utterly captivating.

On the palate, layers unfold: apricot pastry, baked apple, lemon curd, dried pineapple, and honeysuckle, with hints of tarragon and nougat. Medium to full-bodied with bright acidity, a silky texture, and a long, brioche-tinged finish.

Superbly balanced between fruit, oak, and freshness. Delicious now but built to evolve. 🍋🍍🥐 cheers!! — a month ago

Lee Pitofsky

9.6

05 drinking superbly! Along with 2007, this is one of the best drinking vintages right now. (In this time period) — 16 days ago

Jay Kline

9.2

From back when Mouton was still a Second Growth. Decanted prior to service; enjoyed over the course of several hours. This bottle of the 1966 pours a garnet color with significant rim variation; medium viscosity with light staining and signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of ripe and desiccated red and black fruits: cassis, blackberries, green pepper, tobacco, leather, old wood, organic earth and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium. This was a good showing for the ‘66 and certainly has life left in it however, there’s no need to hold out. Drink now. — 22 days ago

Todd Anderson

9.3

Beautiful, classic aged Bordeaux that is drinking very well right now but shows signs it could continue improving. Unfortunately I only have one more bottle so will drink that in the next 2-3 years. Cheers! — 2 months ago