Winery
of the Week: Alpha Omega
A
somewhat hidden gem in the heart of the Napa
Valley, Alpha Omega sources fruit from Rutherford
as well as other surounding appelations 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:
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Alpha
Omega 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery:
Alpha Omega
Grape(s): 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10%
Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot, & 5% Cabernet Franc
Region: Napa Valley, Ca
Year:
2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 95-100
Review:
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
Winery:
Alpha Omega
Grape(s): 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20%
Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot
Region: Napa Valley, Ca
Year:
2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 90-95
Review:
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
Winery:
Alpha Omega
Grape(s): 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Napa Valley, Ca
Year:
2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 35-40
Review:
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
Winery:
Alpha Omega
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Napa Valley, Ca
Year:
2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 65-70
Review:
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 |
Note:
Wines rated with a "+" have not yet reached their
peak quality but will do so over the next few years
By
Jason Barlow
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
|
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