2006 Alpha Omega Proprietary Red

The outstanding 2006 Proprietary Red Wine (56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc) exhibits sweet plum, black currant, coffee, and chocolate notes intertwined with notions of herbs and new oak. Medium to full-bodied, pure, and impressively textured with good length, it should drink well for 10-12 years. I had expected these offerings to be more impressive based on the seemingly unlimited investments behind the wines, the new winemaking facility, and the employment of the super-star consultant, Michel Rolland. The wines are certainly very good, in fact some are outstanding, so perhaps it is too soon to know for sure as Alpha Omega has only produced a handful of vintages. There are four separate reds produced, and while I can understand the need for a cuvee from the Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard as well as a luxury proprietary offering, the other two wines seem more similar than dissimilar. Tel. (707) 963-9999; Fax (707) 963-9998