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A somewhat hidden gem in the heart of the Napa Valley, Alpha Omega sources fruit from Rutherford as well as other surrounding appellations to produce first-rate, boutique wines based on the vision of their winemaker, Jean Hoefliger, who honed his skills in Bordeaux and South Africa before coming to the winery in 2006. Here’s what our tasting panel thought about their current releases:
Alpha Omega 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape(s): 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot, & 5% Cabernet Franc
Region: Napa Valley, Ca
Price: 95-100
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of blackberries, blueberries, and black cherries meld with notes of dark chocolate, smoky oak, and vanilla on the nose. Flavors of bramble fruit, blueberry, and black plum unfold into traces of mocha, smoke, and toasty oak on the palate. Dark, concentrated fruit and dusty tannins make this a wine to enjoy with a juicy steak now or a prime candidate for your cellar. 3,000 cases produced.
Rating: 90+
Alpha Omega 2011 Proprietary Red Wine
Grape(s): 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot
Region: Napa Valley, Ca
Price: 90-95
Tasting Notes:
Fragrances of blackberries, currants, and black cherries come together with suggestions of sweet spice, thyme, and anise on the nose. A sip delivers flavors of boysenberry, cherry, and cassis that interweave with traces of cedar, pepper, and minerals on the palate. With supple tannins and rich flavors, open a bottle with your favorite lamb dish. 1,600 cases were made.
Rating: 91
Alpha Omega 2013 Sauvignon Blanc
Grape(s): 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Napa Valley, Ca
Price: 35-40
Tasting Notes:
A bouquet of tropical fruits, white peaches, custard, and wild grass greets the senses. On the palate, flavors of ruby red grapefruit, peach, and tropical fruit combine with nuances of toasted nuts, lemon custard, and fresh green herbs. A mouth-filling wine with an inviting acidity and opulent fruit, it’s a white not to be missed. 2,000 cases produced.
Rating: 92
Alpha Omega 2012 Chardonnay
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Napa Valley, Ca
Price: 65-70
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of mango, apricot, and passion fruit mingle with inklings of toasted vanilla, fresh bread, and buttery oak on the nose. With a sip, flavors of tropical fruit, apricot, and pear wrap around notes of butterscotch, macaroon, and sweet oak. Layered, round, and rich, this is a standout Chardonnay. 1,500 cases were made.
Rating: 91
*Wines rated with a “+” have not yet reached their peak quality but will do so over the coming years
