Alpha Omega Toasts Return of Winemaker Henrik Poulsen
RUTHERFORD, Calif. — April 2, 2019
Some reunions are worth waiting for.
Alpha Omega today welcomes Henrik Poulsen back to the Rutherford Bench as Head Winemaker. Poulsen spent seven years as Alpha Omega’s Assistant Winemaker alongside Jean Hoefliger, helping build the winery from its very first vintage into one of Napa Valley’s most critically acclaimed labels. He left in 2013. Now, six years later, he is home.
Hoefliger, who has led the winemaking program since Alpha Omega’s founding, transitions to the role of Consulting Winemaker across all three brands in the Alpha Omega Collective, a role that mirrors what he already holds for Tolosa and Perinet.
A Partnership Fourteen Years in the Making
To understand the significance of this reunion, you have to go back further than Alpha Omega.
Poulsen and Hoefliger first worked together at Newton Vineyard, where they made wine side by side for six years. When Robin and Michelle Baggett founded Alpha Omega in 2006, both men came with them. Together, the pair spent seven years crafting the wines that established Alpha Omega’s reputation, earning critical acclaim and building a devoted following for the winery’s Bordeaux-inspired releases.
By the time Poulsen departed in 2013, he and Hoefliger had shared nearly 14 years of winemaking. That relationship never really ended.
“Henrik is a man of honor, heart and trust that I am proud to count as my friend. I cannot wait to resume our collaboration of making great wines together. He intimately knows our vineyards and production facilities, and a lot of the Alpha Omega team he previously worked with is still here.”
— Jean Hoefliger, Consulting Winemaker, Alpha Omega
Where Henrik Poulsen Has Been
Poulsen’s story begins in Denmark, far from the vineyards of Napa Valley. After working at Chateau de Haux in Bordeaux, he met Newton Vineyard founder Su Hua Newton in Paris, which led to his arrival in Napa Valley in 2000. At Newton, he worked alongside esteemed winemaker Luc Morlet before Hoefliger joined the team, beginning the partnership that would define both of their careers.
After departing Alpha Omega in 2013, Poulsen joined Acumen Wines as Director of Winemaking and Executive Manager, reuniting him with Denis Malbec, Acumen’s founding winemaker and a former consulting winemaker at Alpha Omega. In 2010, he had also founded his own personal label, which is produced at Alpha Omega, and a wine consulting business. The thread connecting him to this place never fully broke.
“I have always considered Alpha Omega my second home. When the amazing reunion opportunity presented itself, I did not hesitate. At Alpha Omega, I was privileged to work with some of the most highly acclaimed vineyards and fruit sources in Napa Valley, which must be any winemaker’s dream. I am very excited to be a part of this once again.”
— Henrik Poulsen, Head Winemaker, Alpha Omega
The Band Is Back Together
For Robin Baggett, the return of Poulsen completes a picture he has been working toward since the Collective took shape.
“Our original family is back together again. I could not be more pleased. We are excited to have Henrik back as part of the Alpha Omega family. Henrik and Jean’s synergy as a winemaking team is evident in the highly regarded handcrafted wines they have created together.”
— Robin Baggett, Vintner, Alpha Omega
Alpha Omega will continue working with master blender Michel Rolland, who has consulted for the winery since its very first vintage and previously collaborated with both Poulsen and Hoefliger at Newton Vineyard. Rolland’s involvement in the final blends of Alpha Omega’s red wines remains unchanged.
With Poulsen back in the cellar, Hoefliger overseeing the Collective’s winemaking across all three brands and Rolland continuing his legendary contribution to the blending process, the winemaking team at Alpha Omega is as deep and experienced as it has ever been.
About Alpha Omega
Founded in 2006 by Robin and Michelle Baggett, Alpha Omega began as a direct-to-consumer pioneer and now sells 90% of its wine through this channel. Located on the legendary Rutherford Bench of Napa Valley, Alpha Omega produces world-class, Bordeaux-style, handcrafted wines made with grapes from prized, historic vineyards throughout Napa Valley.
With its landmark fountains, tranquil pond and stunning views of the Mayacamas Mountains and vineyards, the winery exudes a sense of place and offers hospitality reflective of the farming community. Alpha Omega’s land and winery are Napa Green certified.
