ERA is Alpha Omega’s flagship—a Bordeaux-inspired Napa blend crafted to showcase the valley’s breadth of terroir, from the valley floor to the hillsides. Vintage 2019 marries power with elegance and is built around Cabernet Sauvignon with small portions of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec for aromatics, colour, and structure.
Varietal makeup & technical profile
Blend: approx. 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec
Fermentation: predominantly barrel fermentation (mainly French oak), smaller share in stainless steel
Aging: 20 months in French oak, about 70% new (the remainder once-filled)
Alcohol: around 14.8% ABV
Fining: not fined (per technical sheets)
Nose & palate
Nose: concentrated dark fruit (blackcurrant, plum) with hints of coffee malt/espresso, black tea, violet/lilac, fennel and spices such as nutmeg and clove; leather and cedar in the background.
Palate: full-bodied and velvety with a dense core of dark fruit, muted earth/mineral, allspice and black tea; elegant, well-integrated oak.
Finish: long and seamless, with lingering fruit, graphite/pencil lead, tobacco and subtle vanilla.
Structure & cellaring
The 2019 offers silky yet defined tannins and balanced acidity. Delicious now with proper aeration, but peak maturity is expected 2027–2035, with further potential beyond.
Serving & food
Decanting: 1–3 hours recommended in youth.
Serving temperature: 16–18 °C.
Food pairings: slow-braised short ribs or beef tenderloin with mushroom jus; grilled ribeye; well-aged hard cheeses. The wine’s fruit and structure embrace both umami and roasted flavours.
Key facts – at a glance
Origin: Napa Valley, California
Style: powerful, structured yet polished Bordeaux-style blend in a Napa key
Oak: predominantly new French oak (≈70%) for 20 months
ABV: ~14.8%
Profile: dark fruit, spice, cedar/tobacco, graphite; long, elegant finish
The producer – Alpha Omega Winery
Location & philosophy
Alpha Omega sits in Rutherford, at the heart of Napa Valley, close to both the Mayacamas range and the valley floor. The philosophy marries Old World tradition with New World precision, using barrel fermentation and selective oak management to deliver depth while preserving balance and drinkability.
History & ownership
Founded in 2006 by Robin and Michelle Baggett, the winery partners with historic, highly regarded vineyards across Napa to draw fruit from a spectrum of terroirs—from Rutherford benchlands to mountain sites and iconic parcels such as Beckstoffer—a core pillar of ERA’s architecture.
Winemaking & team
Over the years, the team has refined barrel fermentation (especially for Cabernet) and lot-by-lot vinification, vinifying each parcel separately before composing the final cuvée. ERA is selected as the portfolio’s most complete and ageworthy blend: a wine meant to express Napa Valley’s diversity with layers of fruit, spice, and structure—and longevity as its hallmark.
