Weekly Wine Review - California Red - 2012 Alpha Omega ERA

Patience is a virtue is a universal truth, but especially true when you become a wine club member.  Many wines, especially Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa will be sent to you years before they will be ready to drink. However, a lapse in virtue is something that will happen from time to time.  For me I just couldn't wait any longer to try the flagship wine from Alpha Omega winery.  A wine I requested on the strength of tasting and thoroughly enjoying their other Cabernet wines at the winery.  This one isn't a pop and drink, time for a little decant time!

Wine: 2012 Alpha Omega ERA

Region: Napa Valley
Grape Varieties: 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Merlot

Obtained from: Purchased at Winery

Price: $185

Wino4Life Category: Super Ultimate OMG Wine

Aeration before tasting: Decanted for 6 hours

Cork Condition: Natural cork - no defects or issues.

Appearance: Clear, dark red/garnet in color.

Aroma: Dark fruit, tobacco, licorice, and coffee. 
Taste: Lots of fruit, good acidity, finishes quite tannic.

The Grade: I give this one an B+ with great potential.  Impatience was not my friend in this case - much too early to pop the cork on this one.  It would have benefited from another day of decanting to soften the tannins and bring out more character - six hours just wasn't enough. Alpha Omega's other wines I've tasted were MUCH more impressive, but after a few more years this will very likely evolve into a beauty. Still, this was a great wine that paired nicely with a Sous Vide Filet Mignon, but for a Super OMG level wine I did expect more (and should!)  Learn from my virtue-less mistake and be patient! Luckily I have another bottle tucked away to see what the future holds.  Stay tuned and Cheer!