$100,000 winning bid for Dr. To Kalon Napa Valley 2015 nearly doubles Rutherford winery’s previous PNV best
RUTHERFORD, Calif. (March 1, 2017) – Alpha Omega, a family-owned winery in the Rutherford Bench area of Napa Valley, shattered its personal record at Premiere Napa Valley when five cases of its Dr. To Kalon Napa Valley 2015 sold for $100,000 in a live auction held Saturday, Feb. 24, 2017 at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in St. Helena, Calif. Alpha Omega’s previous best at PNV was $55,000 for five cases in 2015.
The 21st edition of the trade auction hosted by the Napa Valley Vintners nonprofit association raised an estimated $4.2 million to support the mission of the NVV. At Alpha Omega’s PNV after-party held at its Rutherford estate, there was more reason than usual to celebrate. Vintners Robin and Michelle Baggett, winemaker Jean Hoefliger and grower Andy Beckstoffer hosted a select few in a VIP room, where Dr. To Kalon Napa Valley 2015 was poured alongside Alpha Omega’s Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons. Dr. To Kalon Napa Valley 2015 is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon made with 50% Beckstoffer Dr. Crane and 50% Beckstoffer To Kalon.
“We’re very honored and pleased to be recognized by the trade and proud of the accomplishments of our winemaker, Jean Hoefliger, and our winemaking team,” Robin Baggett said as he tended to the smoked hog and BBQ ribs he prepared for his guests.
This marked the fourth consecutive year the winery has offered Dr. To Kalon for PNV. Hoefliger said what makes the 2015 vintage of Dr. To Kalon special is, “In 2015, tannins were definitely part of the equation. You were able to get the silkiness from Dr. Crane and the structure from To Kalon.”
Michelle Baggett was overcome with emotion at the auction as a feverish bidding war broke out and her fellow vintners applauded each bid. “It was very emotional to be there and to see our vintner neighbors so happy for us,” she said.
About Alpha Omega
Founded in 2006 by Robin and Michelle Baggett, Alpha Omega was a direct-to-consumer pioneer. Located on Highway 29 in the legendary Rutherford Bench of Napa Valley, Alpha Omega produces world-class, Bordeaux-style, handcrafted wines made with prized grapes from its own vineyards and historic vineyards by Swiss-born winemaker Jean Hoefliger and consulting winemaker Michel Rolland. With its landmark fountains, tranquil pond and stunning views of the Mayacamas Mountains and vineyards, the winery exudes a sense of place and offers hospitality reflective of the farming community. Alpha Omega’s land and winery are Napa Green certified. To learn more, please visit www.aowinery.com
