Winemaker Notes
Critical Acclaim
All VintagesThe 2009 Era is made up of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 5% Merlot. Deep garnet colored, it is a little broody to begin, unfurling slowly to reveal loads of enticingly savory notes of grilled meats, sautéed herbs, dried wild mushrooms and pain grille with a core of blackcurrant cordial, blackberry pie and preserved plum plus wafts of dried mint and star anise. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has bags of elegance and grace with layers of earthy and savory nuances and a good core of black fruit preserves, flanked by firm, fine-grained tannins, finishing with a quiet intensity. Delicious now, this wine should continue to give a lot of pleasure over the next 10+ years.
Established in 2006, Alpha Omega’s mission is to create artisanal, handcrafted wines drawing on Old World vineyard practices and emphasis on unique terroir driven characteristics that reveal a sense of place combined with New World technology and science. The winery, located on the Rutherford Bench in the heart of Napa Valley, exudes the utmost experience of hospitality in an authentic place reflective of the Napa Valley farming community. Presenting world-class wines in a convivial setting remains just as paramount to vintners Robin and Michelle Baggett today as when they opened the winery’s doors on July 1, 2006. Alpha Omega boasts a picturesque setting, highlighted by views of its landmark water fountains and reflecting pond, stunning vineyards and the statuesque Mayacamas Mountains. The breathtaking scenery makes for the perfect backdrop to enjoy the handcrafted wines made with grapes from prized, historic vineyards by Alpha Omega’s talented winemaking team.
A warm staff of well-trained wine educators, the postcard-worthy setting and the modern farm-style architecture of the winery on Napa Valley’s famous Highway 29, paired with beautiful wines was the intentional vision the Baggetts conceived when they toured the valley in 2005 searching for a property to purchase to open their first winery together. To create an estate comparable to the finest in the valley, the Baggetts took on the project in the same fashion that helped them achieve success in other fields — Robin as an attorney, grape grower and vintner in San Luis Obispo and Michelle as an international hotel interior designer later becoming a hospitality marketing and communication professional and branding whiz. Creating the brand name Alpha Omega in 2005 predestined their ambition to craft the ultimate winery experience from beginning to end. Today, Alpha Omega is honored that its estate is considered one of the top wineries in the region.
Alpha Omega continues to push forward, vintage after vintage, by constantly improving its wine, visitor experience and surroundings — the crux of Alpha Omega from the beginning and forever to the end.
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.