ERA Napa Valley 2022
Alpha Omega is proud to introduce its Flagship wine, ERA Napa Valley 2022.
ERA is a wine that defines Alpha Omega’s greatest achievement in winemaking each vintage, dramatically exemplifying the character and complexity of Napa Valley terroir.
Alpha Omega’s first vintage of ERA in 2006 embodied “the new era” of winemaking in Napa Valley and represents our highest level of dedication to handcrafting a wine that serves as the ideal confluence of Old World traditional handcrafted winemaking methods utilizing New World state-of-the-art technology both in the vineyard and in the cellar.
Each vintage, ERA is a perfectly matched union of expertly farmed all-star Cabernet Sauvignon single vineyards that best illustrate the characteristics of its AVA, its terroir – valley floor, hillside, and mountain top, influenced by the conditions Mother Nature presents.
Sourced from highly regarded coopers in France, ERA is 100% barrel fermented and aged in the finest French oak to develop the nuances and complexity that enhance the noble character of the vineyards it was born from.
Barrel fermentation produces dramatic integration of flavors and tannins that provide early accessibility and significant aging potential.
ERA is the ultimate expression of our commitment to sustainability, to careful hand-tending of our vineyards, and to the highest level of winemaking in collaboration with world-renowned winemaking consultants that ensures each vintage of ERA expresses an inspirational, profound sense of place.
“2022 ERA already displays remarkable depth and complexity that will be further embellished by extended aging in your cellar.”
Vintage Notes
Significant rain in December and relatively dry and mild conditions in January through March provided an early bud break that was followed by alternating warm and cool periods through June, highlighted by a rare hailstorm in early May. Fortunately, flowering was not affected in our vineyards and steady summer weather settled in until the first week of September when temperatures soared over 100° for several days. The heat spell coupled with the vintage’s early start encouraged earlier harvesting in September for up valley vineyards. Cooler weather and rain after the heat spell allowed many of our hillside and south valley vineyards to finish ripening and were harvested later in the month in great condition. The overall quality of 2022 is excellent with wines showing abundant color, enhanced by a broad spectrum of flavors and textures.
Winemaker Notes
81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot
Fermentation: 100% barrel fermented in French oak, 60% new and 40% one-year-old barriques
Visual: Opaque, blackish ruby, crimson rim
Nose: A complex mix of blueberry, black cherry, and cassis aromas accented by violets, fresh ground coffee beans, dark chocolate, truffle with a hint of graphite.
Palate: Full-bodied, concentrated flavors of black cherry, red currant, and cassis, mixed with notes of black peppercorn, vanilla bean, and toasted farro that culminate in a dramatically long finish.