98 Points and a New Chapter: Ken’s Wine Guide Interviews Alpha Omega Head Winemaker Melissa Paris

Ken’s Wine Guide recently sat down with Alpha Omega Head Winemaker Melissa Paris for an in-depth conversation about her journey, her philosophy, and eight wines from the celebrated 2022 vintage. You can read the original feature at Ken’s Wine Guide.

A Winemaker Who Has Earned Her Place at the Bench

Melissa Paris did not arrive at the helm of Alpha Omega by accident. Her path is one of deliberate, disciplined growth , equal parts formal training and hands-on experience in some of the world’s most demanding wine regions.

She studied enology at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where her first enology professor, Matt Brain, helped shape her foundational understanding of the craft. From there, she worked with winemaking teams in Australia, New Zealand, and California before joining Alpha Omega in September 2020 as an assistant winemaker. She had a brief crossover with Jean Hoefliger upon her arrival, absorbing the winery’s exacting standards from the start.

Her rise was swift and well-earned. She was elevated to Associate Winemaker in early 2023 and named Head Winemaker in July 2024. Today, she continues her education, pursuing a Global Wine Executive MBA degree from Sonoma State. Her commitment to growth reflects the same restless curiosity she brings to every vintage.

Melissa works alongside consulting winemaker Andy Erickson, whose long relationship with Napa Valley’s finest terroirs adds another layer of depth to Alpha Omega’s winemaking program. Together, they form one of the most thoughtful winemaking partnerships in the valley.

The 2022 Vintage: Intensity Forged by Challenge

The 2022 vintage arrived with character and conviction. A drought year with a September heat event, it demanded careful attention in the vineyard and precision at the cellar door. White varieties came in during August in exceptional condition. For the Cabernets that followed, the warmth concentrated flavors and sharpened structure in ways that rewarded patience.

Alpha Omega made wine from 14 of the 16 AVAs in Napa Valley that year , a breadth of terroir that few producers can match. From the volcanic heights of Atlas Peak to the fog-cooled benchlands of Yountville, each site told a distinct story. That diversity is not incidental. It is central to Alpha Omega’s belief that Napa Valley speaks in many voices, and that each sub-appellation deserves to be heard on its own terms.

To explore the full range of these sub-appellation wines, visit our AVA Series Cabernets, where each bottle is a direct expression of its place.

Eight Wines. One Vision. Scores from 93.5 to 98 Points.

Ken’s Wine Guide Tasting Panel evaluated eight wines across the 2022 lineup. Scores ranged from 93.5 to 98 points. The results speak not only to a single exceptional wine, but to the consistency of an entire program.

The tasting covered the 2022 Proprietary Red from Spring Mountain, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon from Howell Mountain, Angel’s Vista Vineyard, Sleeping Lady Vineyard in Yountville, Houyi Vineyard, the Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon, and two standouts that defined the tasting.

The 2022 Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon earned 97 points from the panel. To Kalon is one of Oakville’s most storied sites, where deep alluvial soils meet the gravelly benchland near the Mayacamas foothills. It is a vineyard that has defined Napa Valley Cabernet for generations. That Alpha Omega sources from this legendary ground reflects the relationships and standards that Robin and Michelle Baggett have built since founding the winery in 2006.

You can explore our single vineyard wines, including the Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet, to discover what these extraordinary sites produce in Melissa’s hands.

98 Points: The 2022 ERA Cabernet Sauvignon

The highest score of the tasting, 98 points, went to the 2022 ERA Cabernet Sauvignon. This is Alpha Omega’s flagship blend, a wine that draws from Napa Valley’s most expressive sites. For the 2022 vintage, the ERA was crafted from grapes grown at Cordes, Stricker, Sleeping Lady, and Circle K vineyards.

Each of these sites contributes something irreplaceable. Cordes Vineyard on Atlas Peak brings volcanic tension and mountain concentration. Sleeping Lady in Yountville adds the silken texture and cool-climate freshness that the southern valley floor delivers so gracefully. Together, these voices create a wine that is, in Melissa’s own words, “a tapestry of Napa Valley’s most noble varietals , bold and refined, weaving together richness, depth, and an irresistible allure.”

A score of 98 points is a statement. It is also a reflection of what happens when exceptional terroir meets a winemaker who understands it deeply.

Browse our current releases to acquire the wines from this celebrated lineup before they are returned to our winemaking library.

A Winery Built on More Than Wine

Alpha Omega’s commitment to excellence extends well beyond the cellar. The winery is Napa Green certified for both land and winery operations and runs almost entirely on solar power. These are not incidental details. They reflect a genuine belief that the land deserves the same care and attention as the wine it produces. Learn more about our sustainable farming practices and what it means to be a true steward of Napa Valley.

Robin and Michelle are also among the valley’s most dedicated community advocates. As Honorary Chairs of Auction Napa Valley 2025, they helped raise $6.5 million for the Napa Valley Vintners Youth Wellness Initiative. That generosity is woven into everything Alpha Omega does.

Visit Alpha Omega on the Rutherford Bench

Located at 1155 Mee Lane in Rutherford, just off Highway 29 between Rutherford and St. Helena, Alpha Omega welcomes guests for wine tasting in one of Napa Valley’s most beautiful settings. Landmark fountains, a tranquil pond, and sweeping views of the Mayacamas Mountains set the scene. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. Families with children are welcome. Walk-ins are welcome when availability allows.

Whether you are discovering Alpha Omega for the first time or returning to experience Melissa’s 2022 vintage in person, this is a tasting that rewards the journey.

Acquire. Reserve. Belong.

The 2022 vintage wines reviewed by Ken’s Wine Guide represent some of the finest expressions Melissa Paris has crafted at Alpha Omega. Many are available in limited quantities.

Acquire: Browse our current releases and secure your bottles before they are gone.

Reserve a Tasting: Plan your visit to our Rutherford estate and taste these wines where they were made.

Join the Wine Club: Become part of the Alpha Omega family and enjoy exclusive access to curated shipments, member events, and wines that never reach the open market.