… in October. Sorry, better late than never.
Alpha Omega
I arranged with Jean for my buddy Mike and I to have a private tasting. I was expecting some cute little winery. Was I wrong. A/O is on the side of the road, and almost looks like one of those big places that the tourist stop at…only thing is that A/O looks very upscale (and approachable).
Rick spent time with us, followed by Jean. He’s a passonate, yet humble guy. The quote of the trip (by Jean) I’m not a blockbuster winemaker. He went on to say that he made his wines in the European style.
Sauv Blanc Napa Valley 2008 Some sweetness at 40 minutes in to the tasting. Jean said this needs some age. Light color (straw). Apple/pear. A simple taste $34. It wasn’t a Merry Edwards. 220 cs.
Cab Sauv Napa 2006 WS 86 Velvety, with soft tannins. 100% French barrels. $74. 75 cab/19 merlot/6 pet v
Proprietary Red Wine Napa 2006 WS 85 (Sexy) nice nose. Pepper. Richer finish. Smooth. 56 cab/34 merlot/7 pet v/3 Franc (?). I thought this was delicious. $82 and screw the ratings.
Era Napa Valley 2006 WS 94. Their flagship wine. All the best fruit according to Rick. 15.1 alc 17% pet v/20 cab franc/28 merlot/35 cab. Coffee expresso, nice ruby red color. Lip smacking good, as it should be at $160.
Believe it or not, this was my #3 wine at Alpha Omega.
Chard 07 Napa Nice golden color. Tasty and ultra smooth. Bananas, toasted almonds. Really nice. It tasted better after 45 minutes. JH says this can age.
ERA Napa Valley 2007 $120 6 bottle min. Richer nose, floral, plums. Better than the 06, which my buddy preferred. I thought this was an oh my wine. My #2 wine.
And the #1 wine for me… 07 Cab To-Kalon. Very fruity in a good way. JH said this needs time to soften. 75 cs not yet available. $120.
07 Cab $81 Fruity. I liked this better than the 06. A winner.
I want to thank Jean and Rick at Alpha/Omega for his hospitality in hosting us.
One last thing, Jean said the 06 is elegant, while the 07 is big.
Audelssa
We were running late, and got lost, but we eventually made it to their very cute tasting room in Glen Ellen.
07 Zinfandel, Napa $42. Perfumy. Light color, not heavy. I tasted the spice. 15% alc 200 cs. Their quote, it’s a zin for pinot lovers.
06 Merlot, Alder Springs $60. Nice color and nose. 28 months in barrel. I enjoyed this wine.
06 Audelssa Cab Sauv $36. Chocolate and velvety, with soft tannins. Gentle. 14.6% alc. I thought this was a good cab for the price.
07 Audelssa Summit $52. This is new. Nice color. Tastes of coffee/caramel. Smooth and velvety. Very tasty for a young wine. Disclaimer, I own 3 of the 06s.
My #2 wine 06 Cab Sauv, Estate Reserve $125. Smooth, with some fruit. To be enjoyed over the next 12 - 15 years (winery note).
My #1 wine 07 Audelssa Summit Estate Reserve $125. Chocolate nose. Fruity. Exceptional nose. 75 Merlot/25% cab franc.
Thank you Gloria for arrange this tasting.
Copain
We managed to make it up to Copain for a much anticipated tasting.
Beautiful tasting room, with spectacular views of the sky and vineyards.
07 Roussanne, James Berry Paso Robles. Yellow/gold color. Fruity, in a good way. $35.
My #1 wine. 06 James Berry Les Copains, Paso Robles $40. Full body. Rich color. Great nose, fruity. This was my wow wine at Copain.
My #2 wine. 07 Tous Ensemble Pinot Noir Anderson Valley. $30. I thought this full bodied wine was from Oregon. Good QPR. Drink without reservation.
My #3 wine.06 Thompson Syrah, Santa Barbara. $40. Great nose. Fruity, plum and fig, herbal, forest floor. Dark color.
Thank you Wells for setting this up. Sorry we missed you, but family first.
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I specialize in airline miles and hotel points, with a minor in wine.
Dan