2007-04-27
ALPHA OMEGA
by Diana Greenwood
Sometimes you can feel the spirit of a place the second you walk in the door. That core of energy that bubbles and spills forth when people have passion for what they do. This is the case at Alpha Omega, Napa Valley’s newest winery, affectionately tagged “AO” by the dedicated team within its walls and among the vines. Managing Partner, Robin Baggett, summed it up, “It’s exciting to come here and it’s exciting to be here.”
Robin’s enthusiasm is catching and shared by the other Managing Partner, Eric Sklar. They have a vision for Alpha Omega that evokes the hospitality of Napa Valley and their common quest is to be recognized as one of the great wine estates. Robin and Eric both discovered their passion for wine as amateur winemakers more than twenty years ago so they are not strangers to the challenges and rewards of the craft. Robin also developed more than 800 acres of vineyards in Edna Valley, San Luis Obispo. He then founded Courtside Cellars, a custom crush facility, and Tolosa Winery, an ultra-premium winery. Robin was president of the San Luis Obispo Vintners for five years and a board member of the Wine Institute. Living and working in the Napa Valley is a dream come true for him.
Eric and his family have a rich history in Rutherford as grape growers. For thirty years, the Sklars have been growing Cabernet, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc and for the past ten years, Eric managed the family vineyards. Both Robin and Eric feel fortunate to have established contracts for Alpha Omega in highly sought after vineyards in unique appellations. In addition to acquiring the well-known vineyards on the Rutherford property, AO is sourcing grapes from Spring Mountain, Rutherford, Oakville, Yountville, Atlas Peak, and Carneros, including the historically significant To Kalon, Stagecoach, and Hudson vineyards. For Alpha Omega’s Swiss-born Winemaker, Jean Hoefliger, this is a particularly exciting opportunity.
“Jean is very involved in the farming practices at each of these vineyards and is in the vineyards daily,” said Robin. “This is very important in order for us to get the fruit quality we need to make great wine. Jean’s passion, knowledge, and scientific training puts him in the unique position to take the best grapes of Napa Valley and transform them into wines worthy of world-class standing.”
Jean Hoefliger is considered one of the up-and-coming young winemakers but he’s got some impressive experience behind him already. He graduated from the Swiss college Changuins with a degree in viticulture and winemaking and then made wine in France at Chateau Lynch-Bages and Chateau Carbonnieux and Meerlust in South Africa. Prior to joining AO, he spent five years as winemaker for Newton Vineyard in Spring Mountain. Easygoing and eager to expand his knowledge, Jean was very excited when Robin and Eric decided to hire Michel Rolland, one of the world’s best palates, as consulting winemaker.
“Michel consults for many outstanding wineries throughout the world and I was quite concerned whether he would want to be involved in our project,” said Jean. “We currently are not an established winery with a track record. However, we were pleasantly surprised to hear he was very interested. His focus and attention is on one thing and one thing only, the quality of the wine. Michel’s experience is very valuable to a company, especially a new one such as Alpha Omega.”
Michel Rolland’s presence is creating a buzz of excitement that is evident in the smile on every team member’s face, especially Jean’s. Beginning with the 2006 vintage, Michel will be working closely with Jean, both in the vineyards and the cellar, to insure that Alpha Omega’s wines are world class. A native of Bordeaux, Michel is one of the wine world’s superstars. The future looks promising for a winery that kicked off with its first release only last July.
Already the wines are getting noticed. Rutherford soil is perfect for the Sauvignon Blanc and Alpha Omega 2005 Napa Valley is shiny white-gold in color with a beautiful explosion of mango and pineapple with white peach and exotic fruit. This is your summer food wine and since all AO wines are limited production, pick up a case when you visit. Reminiscent of Jean’s days in France making classic Bordeaux-style wines, you’ll also want to try the 2003 Napa Valley Proprietary Red. This wine, available only in very limited quantities, is powerful with flavors of blueberry jam and hints of strawberries, tobacco leaf, and rosemary yet lingers softly on the palate with aromas of candy and cherry liquor. There’s a Chardonnay with great expression and of course, a wonderful and perfectly balanced Cabernet Sauvignon. These are all first release wines so collectors, take note.
For a winery that is producing such elegant wines and is also situated in a pristine Rutherford location – surrounded by estate vines and established, friendly neighbors like Beaulieu and Grgich Hills – it’s hard to believe things could improve. You can see the fountain in the pond as you approach Mee Lane, a quiet country road that leads to the winery driveway, but once out of the car, the setting will truly stir your senses. You’ll see a vivid green expanse of lawn, acres of vineyard rows against a backdrop of purple mountain peaks, and baby ducks ruffling downy feathers as the sky reflects in the pond. Relax on the deck with a bottle of wine and a picnic. This is a welcoming place.
More excitement is anticipated in the future as remodeling plans unfold. The existing building will receive a country farmhouse-style facelift, expansion of the deck to take advantage of that lovely view, new landscaping, and a major remodel in the tasting room where vaulted ceilings, a dramatic wall of windows, and a central island tasting counter will create a light and airy space. Never a dull moment for Napa Valley’s newest winery.
Located at 1155 Mee Lane, Alpha Omega is open for tasting daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with barrel tastings from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Catch the spirit of this place by joining the wine club while the winery is young. The most recent addition to the AO team, Bruce Donsker, Wine Club Manager, has a flair for designing memorable exclusive-to-wine-club events. With four on the horizon, there will be an event for every wine club member’s palate: June 16 – Pre-Release event for the 2004 Proprietary Red Wine; two Lobster Feeds – August 4 and 25 and the Harvest Party on October 20. Call (707) 963-9999 for reservations or visit the website at aowinery.com. Alpha Omega has begun its journey to be recognized as one of the great wine estates in the world.
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