Opus One Overture 2023 is the estate’s second wine from Oakville in Napa Valley, produced from selected parcels of the Opus One vineyard holdings. Now released as a fully vintage-designated wine (a shift that began with the 2021 vintage), Overture is positioned as a more immediately approachable expression of the estate, while still built on the same Bordeaux-blend framework that defines the house style.

The 2023 blend is led by Cabernet Sauvignon (91%) with 4% Merlot, 3.4% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc, and 0.5% Malbec. It was aged 19 months in new French oak, with 22 days of skin contact. The 2023 growing season at the estate included 36.12 inches of rainfall, with harvest running from September 14 to October 16.

In the glass, professional commentary emphasizes drinkability and polish more than overt power. Jane Anson scores it an excellent 94 points, calling out “an ease to this wine, a beautifully unfussy juiciness that is thoroughly enjoyable.” Her note points to lifted aromatics—“cherry bud and violet flowers”—alongside a more savory, barrel-influenced edge of “charred sandalwood.” She also highlights the texture as “creamy without being heavy,” framing the wine as both plush and controlled rather than dense or aggressive.

Anson links that balance to the conditions of the year, saying the wine is “fully benefiting from the beauty of this luscious and balanced 2023 vintage.” She also provides useful context for how Overture is now assembled, noting it is “more plot-driven than when it was NV,” and that it “tends to be the plots closer to the river.” The 2023 was made under winemaking director Michael Silacci, with Anson reporting 90% new oak.

While the winery suggests it is “enjoyable now,” the finish is described as one that “suggests years of aging,” making Overture 2023 a legitimate option for both near-term drinking and short- to mid-term cellaring.