OPUS ONE
NAPA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA 2022
WHY BUY: We've been given Concierge-only EARLY ACCESS to the 2022 releases from Opus One, and couldn’t wait to get to our keyboard to share the big news. Their eponymous flagship has already scored a potential 97 points, and is even more alluring, we think, than the points suggest, but we're also bringing you Overture, their acclaimed "second wine," which is being offered as a vintage wine for only the second time in its three-decade history and, as usual, defies its secondary status (and comes in at more than half the price). It’s always thrilling when a legend not only doesn’t let you down, but reaffirms your faith, and these two releases prove that this Old World/New World mash-up from Rothschild and Robert Mondavi is as enduring, strong, and delicious as ever.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: Lisa Perrotti-Brown awarded a potential 97 points to the Opus One 2022 in The Wine Independent, calling it "concentrated and impactful, with a firm line of ripe, grainy tannins and bags of black fruit preserves layers, finishing with loads of savory nuances and a compelling lift."
OUR TASTING NOTES: Opus One 2022 opens slowly on the nose, then hits you with waves of blackcurrant and graphite: that familiar one-two that tells you you’re in the presence of a statement Napa Cab. But what makes this aromatically exciting are the secondary notes (cedar shavings, dark chocolate, and a haunting floral character). The concentration here is remarkable, a generous allotment of black fruit balanced by a wonderful but subtle earthiness, and just when you think there isn’t more unfolding to be had, you’re proved wrong. The finish doesn’t just sustain the performance, but keeps revealing itself, with savory and spice notes. What struck us most about this vintage of Overture was the seamlessness of the integration, and the way it balances its energies. Dark fruit, chocolate, and spice play upon the palate with finesse and even a kind of grace, and it’s a tribute to the quality of the winemaking that something so substantial and persistent manages to be so silken and fine.
THE STORY: The tale of Opus One has been told many a time, but what's most essential to bear in mind is this: more than just a winery, it's a testament to the power of collaboration and vision. Founded by Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild fame and Napa Valley pioneer Robert Mondavi, Opus One set out to create a wine that would stand with the world's best. This Franco-American partnership, forged in 1978, marked a revolutionary moment in the wine world. It combined the centuries-old winemaking traditions of Bordeaux with the bold innovation and terroir of Napa Valley. The result? A wine that has consistently pushed the boundaries of what's possible in California winemaking. From its inaugural vintage in 1979 to today, Opus One has remained true to its founders' vision: to create wines of uncommon grace and elegance that are capable of aging beautifully for decades. It's a philosophy that extends from the vineyard – where sustainable practices reign supreme – to the cellar, where patience and precision are the watchwords.
SPECS: Opus One's winemaking is a meticulous process, blending old-world techniques with cutting-edge technology. The wines are primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, rounded out with classic Bordeaux varietals. After fermentation, they're aged in French oak barrels, with Opus One seeing about 18 months in 100% new oak. Overture, while made with the same care, offers a unique twist. It's a blend of multiple vintages, aged for an extended period in barrel. This multi-vintage approach allows for a supple, approachable wine that still carries the Opus One pedigree.
WHAT TO PAIR THEM WITH: Opus wines are meant for a juice-dripping porterhouse, a stately, herb-crusted rack of lamb, a rich and earthy mushroom risotto. Or even just a board of ripe aged cheeses. That is, if you choose to pair them at all. They surely don’t need anything to — to paraphrase Tom Cruise in "Jerry Maguire" — complete them.
FUN FACT: Before it was rechristened "Opus One" in 1982, the wine (whose first vintage was created in 1979) was called "Napamedoc"—a rather clunky portmanteau of Napa and Médoc that thankfully didn't stick.
OUR GUARANTEE: As always, we only buy and source directly from the estate, so rest assured – your wines will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. With early access to these coveted releases, secure yours today and savor the greatness of this enduring icon!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Fall 2025. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. The price reflected on your order form is subject to change after the order is placed in the event of a change in tariffs or taxes that are imposed by the U.S. government, or in the case of currency fluctuations of 10% or greater. Offer not valid in IL, KS, MI, NE, NM, NY, OK & TN. The 1.5L is not available in DE, IN, KY, LA, MD, and WI. This offer is valid for TWO WEEKS, or until sold out, and will expire on Monday, September 1st, 2025.