Alpha Omega Review
Address: 1155 Mee Lane Rutherford,California 94574.
Phone Number: 707-963-9999
Tasting Hours: 10:00-6:00
Region: Napa Valley AVA, Rutherford AVA, California
Reviewer: Elizabeth Smith
Review Date: 10/24/2015
Reviewer: Elizabeth Smith
Rating: 5
The Review
Founded in 2006 by vintners Robin and Michelle Baggett, Alpha Omega Winery is a relatively new winery in Napa Valley. Robin’s and Michelle’s backgrounds include grape growing and hospitality development. Robin founded Tolosa Winery in San Luis Obipso in 1998, and Michelle brought with her architectural design, marketing, and public relations experience. Both Robin and Michelle are also active in the Napa Valley community as philanthropists.
The winemaking team is comprised of winemaker Jean Hoefliger and consulting winemaker Michel Rolland. Alpha Omega produces world-class wines from their own vineyards, as well as from some of Napa Valleys most storied vineyards, such as To Kalon, Missouri Hopper, Dr. Crane, Las Piedras, Georges III, Stagecoach, and Sunshine Valley. Their goal is to craft delicious wines that reflect the unique terroir of these vineyards.
When my friend and I arrived at Alpha Omega, we noted that there was valet parking, but we opted to park ourselves further away so that we would not have to wait for a valet to return our cars to us when we were ready to leave. The atmosphere during my visit late in the day was busy, lively, and energetic. The bustling of the inside tasting area contrasted with the more relaxed outdoor environment. As I walked through the tasting room, if I didnt know I was at a winery, I might have thought I was at a high-end wine bar. The crowd was younger and this was probably the last tasting stop for many. Most wineries in Napa Valley close around 5:00 p.m., but Alpha Omega is open until 6:00 p.m.
My friend and I tasted with a wine club member, where we enjoyed a private, complimentary tasting at a table outside with a beautiful view of Alpha Omega’s fountain and grounds. We had the opportunity to taste seven wines, including their sauvignon blanc, three chardonnays, a blind tasting of a red wine that turned out to be merlot, their Proprietary Red, and their cabernet sauvignon. Two of the chardonnays and the merlot were not on the tasting menu. A highlight of our experience included tasting three different chardonnays, one unoaked and the other two barrel fermented and aged. The latter were what I would call California-style chardonnays, exhibiting the duality of fruit and oak flavors, such as baked apple, warm caramel, and buttered popcorn. The chardonnay that was not on the menu I found to be more refined and elegant. For me, the most interesting wines were the unoaked chardonnay, a Chablis-like expression of the grape which demonstrated great purity of fruit, and the merlot we blind tasted, as none of us guessed this varietal wine correctly. It was a bold and robust merlot, with characteristics that resembled more powerful grapes, like syrah or petite sirah. It was dark and inviting, with lush fruit and peppery spice.
As we tasted, chatted, and relaxed, I was happy that we had a table outside to enjoy the beautiful Napa Valley weather and pre-sunset color changes of the sky and scenery. The sounds of the fountain, soft conversation, and gentle laughter paired well with Alpha Omegas beautiful wines.