THE STORY

Every now and then, Roxanne Langer, co-owner of LadySomm will email me about a last-minute tasting opportunity.  I asked her to text me to be sure I see it – and last Thursday she did!  We gathered the Decanting Monterey Wine Pod and drove over to the Barnyard to taste Alpha Omega Collective wines.  This was an informal gathering of about a dozen people, pretty much in the style of tasting I prefer: an efficient yet informative run down of the wines, accompanied by a few nibbles.

I thank Roxanne and Tamara for hosting this format of an informal tasting and thinking of us!

ABOUT THE ALPHA OMEGA COLLECTIVE:

On this evening, Zack Zybura, Alpha Omega Collective’s Western Regional Sales Manager, presented usd wines from their various labels. I encourage you to explore each brand by clicking on the notes below.  Sometimes I found the best information in their “trade” sections.

First, Let’s Explore the Story of Two Squared:

“Two Squared wines celebrate finding the ideal combination of grape and place. Our journey began in 2009 with a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Two Squared “Red” that showcases our discovery and collaboration with a remarkable collection of privately owned, boutique vineyards in the Napa Valley.

“Discovery and collaboration lie at the heart of Two Squared as we expand our exploration to the very best wine regions in the North and Central Coast of California in search of those perfect pairings of grape and place and work closely with growers who share our passion. The deep-seated relationships between our winemakers and each grower and their shared knowledge of grape and growing region are fundamental in crafting Two Squared wines.”

Next, Let’s Talk About Tolosa:

“Vintner Robin Baggett returned to Edna Valley almost 40 years ago with a law degree and cowboy dreams of owning a cattle ranch like his grandfather. Having graduated from Cal Poly in 1973, he knew the area.  He bought a historic ranch in the valley and began running cattle, but the cold Pacific wind and limestone soils made him realize he was on a different kind of frontier – one for world-class cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Being in a region with a grape-growing history that stretches back to the 18th century, when Franciscans at Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa produced some of California’s first wines of distinction, planting wine grapes was a natural choice. Robin and his partner Bob Schiebelhut began planting vineyards in 1988, adding several other historic family ranches in the valley over time. Together with Jim Efird, now retired, they founded Tolosa in 1998. Robin’s passion for wine making was born, and his wine journey began.”

Now, Let’s Highlight Perinet:

“Perinet is located in the north of Spain’s prestigious Priorat region, an ancient wine-producing area where Garnatxa and Carinyena flourish in the Mediterranean climate perfectly suited for grape growing…

“Perinet was established in 1998 by a group of partners who painstakingly developed vineyards on vertigo-inducing terraces suited to both native and French varietals. Perinet’s estate parcels, spread over 130 acres (54 planted), and located adjacent to the ancient villages of Poboleda and Porrera, rise more than 1,500 feet into the mountains. The modern winery building features an exquisite, Gaudi-inspired barrel room, a tasting salon with majestic views of the Montsant Mountain Range and an inviting terrace to savor the estate’s wares. Perinet is considered an aesthetic gem amongst Priorat wineries.”

And, Finally, Napa-based Alpha Omega:

“Established in 2006, Alpha Omega’s mission is to create artisanal wines drawing on Old World vineyard handcrafted practices and emphasis on unique terroir driven characteristics that reveal a sense of place combined with New World technology.

“The winery, located on the Rutherford Bench in the heart of Napa Valley, exudes the utmost experience of hospitality in an authentic place reflective of the Napa Valley farming community. Presenting world-class wines in a convivial setting remains just as paramount to vintners Robin and Michelle Baggett today as when they opened the winery’s doors on July 1, 2006…

“The Baggetts’ relationships in the valley afforded them the opportunity to procure the best grapes from prized vineyards throughout the top AVAs of Napa Valley — most notably Thomas Vineyard in Rutherford, Beckstoffer To Kalon in Oakville, Beckstoffer Georges III in Rutherford, Beckstoffer Dr. Crane and Beckstoffer Las Piedras in St. Helena, Stagecoach in Atlas Peak, Drew Vineyard in Mount Veeder and Sunshine Valley in the Oak Knoll District…”

THE WINES

Today I am presenting 6 wines from the Alpha Omega Collection. Winery notes come from the tasting sheet or their website, unless otherwise noted. Prices listed are the prices as presented to us, which may differ from their retail prices. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the wineries’ websites.

2022 Two Squared Chardonnay, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, 14% ABV, $20 ($32 retail) (#1453)

Winery Notes: “In the captivating landscapes of Arroyo Seco, nestled at the foot of the Santa Lucia Mountains, we discovered another perfect match- Chardonnay from Monterey County. Grown in cool, windy, and diverse geograpy featuring rocky soils, this wine balances earth notes of white pepper and slate with crisp Bartlett Pear and Lodi Apple.”

93 points – Wine Enthusiast: “This label for Alpha Omega Collective presents a very satisfying take on Chardonnay in this bottling, starting with melon, ripe pear and struck stone aromas. The palate is tightly wound and bouncy with citrusy energy, as stonefruit and light pineapple flavors add depth.” — Matt Kettmann

My Review: Golden in the glass. Grilled pineapple on the nose. Very refreshing pleasant with a minerally sea salt finish. October 2024

2023 Tolosa Pinot Noir, Central Coast AVA, 14.2% ABV, $26 (#1454)

Winery Notes: “Formerly known as “Heritage” Pinot Noir, this wine is crafted from twenty-eight distinct blocks. The majority (82%) comes from Edna Ranch and other vineyards within the San Luis Obispo Coast, complemented by 12% Santa Lucia Highlands grapes and 6% Santa Maria grapes. The blend of these three regions imparts a complexity to the wine, highlighting the unique character of each region…Sight: Medium ruby red. Nose: Youthful red fruit flavor of plum, rhubarb, cherry and strawberry accent notes of red licorice, sesame, pine nut and new leather. Palate: Medium body with juicy, bright cherry and strawberry flavors that mix with black tea, white mushroom, roasted beets and citrus zest.”

My Review: Translucent ruby with a purple rim in color. Earth, cranberry and light cherry on the nose. Bright acidity on the palate, reminiscent of a Jolly Rancher. October 2024

2019 Tolosa 1772 Pinot Noir, Edna Ranch, Edna Valley, San Luis Obispo County, 13.4% ABV, $49 (#1455)

Winery Notes: “…The 2019 harvest was the latest harvest I have seen since I began my career at Tolosa, and it unfolded really well. The steady, mild weather was perfect. We never had to rush any picking decisions due to how good it was…The 1772 Pinot Noir is our signature Pinot and captures what Edna Valley is on any given vintage. The elegance and freshness of the cooler 2019 year will show more earthy tones…Visual: Garnett, blush. Nose: White Pepper, cured meat, juicy cherry with rose pedals and cedar. Palate: Smooth and juicy with a medium to light body, pomegrate juice and herbal notes. Really long with lingering hay and cedar notes, rasberry.”

My Review: In contrast to the previous wine, this one is very dark garnet in the glass. Dark fruit and a little barnyard on the nose. California cherries on the palate, but more depth than a SLH Pinot. Paired well with peanuts. October 2024

2018 Perinet Merit Red Blend, Priorat, Spain, 14.5% ABV, $27 (#1456) 20% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 20% Merlot, 10% Carignane, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon

Winery Notes: “Ruby garnet with touches of Picota red cherry and mashed raspberries on the rim. On the nose, you’ll find a beautiful explosion of strawberries and violets, wild herbs, mint and sandalwood, and crushed metamorphic rocks. On the mouth is crisp and fruity, silky mid-palate with touches of wild berries. Appealing minerality, lingering acidity, and touches of dense tannins with balsamic notes and licorice.”

My Review: Inky in the glass. Prune and old leather/licorice on the nose. Chalky up front. Herbal (bay, tarragon) and cherry Sucret mid palate. Very earthy, minerally, with petroleum/menthol notes on the finish. Wine Pod opinions differed wildly. We took some home to settle the matter later! October 2024

2021 Two Squared Red Blend, Napa Valley, Napa County, 14.3% ABV, $49 (#1457)

Winery Notes: “Our winemakers build Two Squared to drink on release, and the aim is to please from the start. Two Squared Red Wine Napa Valley 2021 is a delicious example of immediate gratification, a debut expression of pure Napa Valley fruit with lush oak accents and a broad, lingering finish. This version boasts Cabernet from some of the Valley’s most respected AVAs, with contributions from Atlas Peak, Rutherford, Oakville, Oak Knoll and Spring Mountain, and a judicious sprinkling of the other four Bordeaux varietals wraps the entire package in a tidy bow!”

My Review: Dark garnet in color with dark plum/prune notes on the nose. Big palate of intense dark fruit like prune, in a good way. Biggest wine we have had so far tonight. We would have taken some home, if they had had some available. October 2024

2021 Alpha Omega Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, Napa County, 14.5% ABV, $150 (#1458)

Winery Notes: “Our winemakers blended 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec and 2% Merlot to create this structured, ageable wine. The wine was fermented in 25%  French oak, 30% new and 70% two and three-year old-barriques and 75% in stainless steel tanks followed by aging for 21 months in French oak in the same barrel composition. Sight: Deep ruby red with a crimson rim. Nose: Classic fruit notes of cassis, black cherry and plum are intermixed with notes of kirsch liqueur, anise, graphite, peppercorn, baking spices and dark earth. Palate: Youthful, concentrated, full bodied flavors of blackberry and pomegranate join with impressions of cured meats, cedar and dark chocolate that evolve to a long powerful finish.

My Review: Really inky in the glass. Not much nose that we could detect at this point in the evening. Huge palate of crushed berries, with balanced acidity. Very nice. Young. October 2024

THE TASTING ROOMS

Wines from the Alpha Omega Collection can be tasted in Napa or in Paso Robles. Click here to learn more or to make a reservation. You can also visit the Perinet Winery in Priorat!

© Decanting Monterey 2024

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