Team C&J
Founded by vintners Robin and Michelle Baggett, Alpha Omega Winery has established itself as a premier destination for those seeking high-quality wines that reflect the best of Napa Valley. Drawing from the region’s diverse terroirs and combining traditional winemaking methods with state-of-the-art technology, the winery has crafted a portfolio of wines that offer both consistency and uniqueness across vintages.
One of the hallmarks of Alpha Omega’s philosophy is its commitment to sustainability and precision farming. By utilizing organic and biodynamic practices, the winery strives to respect the land and create wines that are pure expressions of their environment. This attention to detail in the vineyard extends to the cellar, where Alpha Omega’s winemaking team, 2019, was led by winemaker Henrik Poulsen, who returned to Alpha Omega after the break and has since been replaced by Andy Erickson.
The 2019 Era Cabernet Sauvignon is composed of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petite Verdot, and 3% Malbec. These grapes are carefully sourced from some of Napa Valley’s most prestigious vineyards, including sites in Rutherford, Oakville, and St. Helena, where the combination of warm days and cool nights fosters the development of rich flavors and balanced acidity.
Appearance
As you would expect, this is a deep red wine, inky would be a good word, with deep garnet hue glimmers in the glass, showcasing its richness and concentration. Swirling the glass reveals a high viscosity, indicating the wine’s full body and significant alcohol content, at 14.8%, but not too high todays standards.
Aromatics
On the nose, the Alpha Omega Era Cabernet Sauvignon offers a pronounced bouquet that bursts with layered complexity. Dominated by black fruits like black cherry, blackberry, and black currant, the aromatics are rich and inviting. As the wine opens, secondary notes emerge, revealing aromas of oak, leather, and graphite, which add a touch of earthiness and minerality.
The influence of French oak barrels is unmistakable, with hints of cigar box and black pepper adding depth to the aromatic profile. The graphite and cedar notes are particularly evocative of classic Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, while the underlying scent of violets lends a subtle floral elegance that elevates the overall experience. Together, these aromas create a seductive and complex nose that promises a dynamic tasting experience.
The 2019 Alpha Omega Era Cabernet Sauvignon is an artful blend that showcases the best of Napa Valley’s terroir and Alpha Omega’s winemaking expertise. The dominance of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend ensures a bold and structured wine, while the inclusion of small amounts of Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot, and Malbec adds complexity and balance.
Cabernet Sauvignon (88%): The backbone of the blend, contributing structure, tannin, and ripe black fruit flavors.
Cabernet Franc (5%): Adds aromatic complexity and a hint of floral elegance.
Petite Verdot (4%): Provides color, tannic structure, and a touch of spice.
Malbec (3%): Softens the wine’s texture and adds a layer of juicy dark fruit.
The 2019 Alpha Omega Era Cabernet Sauvignon has been met with critical acclaim, earning high praise from wine critics and enthusiasts alike. We give this wine 96 points, highlighting its complexity, balance, and potential for aging. The wine’s ability to combine power and elegance has made it a favorite among collectors and those seeking a truly special bottle of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
One of the most exciting aspects of the 2019 Alpha Omega Era Cabernet Sauvignon is its potential for aging. With its high tannin structure, full body, and pronounced fruit and oak characteristics, this is a wine that will continue to evolve and improve over the next 20 to 25 years, if not longer.
The first sip of the 2019 Alpha Omega Era Cabernet Sauvignon is nothing short of extraordinary. The wine greets the palate with pronounced flavors of ripe black cherry, black currant, and plum, enveloped in a framework of high tannins and well-integrated oak. The fruit profile is lush and concentrated, offering a seamless blend of dark fruit that is both powerful and sophisticated.
As the wine evolves on the palate, secondary flavors of leather, cedar, and graphite come to the forefront. These earthy and mineral notes are complemented by a touch of licorice and violet, adding a layer of complexity that deepens with each sip. The oak influence is beautifully integrated, providing just enough structure without overpowering the fruit, while hints of spice and black pepper add a touch of intrigue to the finish.
The wine’s acidity is medium-minus, allowing the ripe fruit flavors to take center stage while maintaining a sense of freshness and balance. Despite its full body and high alcohol content, the wine feels remarkably balanced, with each element working in harmony to create a velvety and refined mouthfeel. And the finish is long and lingering, it leaves an impression of dark fruit, leather, and a touch of graphite that persists on the palate.
The 2019 Alpha Omega Era Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic expression of what Napa Valley winemaking is known for (at least what Robert Parker thinks it should be.) And, at $420 per bottle, it is undoubtedly a luxury purchase; is it worth it? That is really up to the drinker. Are their other bottles at one-half or one-quarter the cost, which is just as good, if not better? Yes, there are, but if you do opt to give it a try, at least you won’t be disappointed.
United States
Napa
Cabernet Sauvignon
14.8
Henrik Poulsen
62–68°F / 16–20°C
Burgundy
1 - 2 Hours
Now to 2024
Alpha Omega Winery
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