Mike is excited to have Omen Wines in the store, especially the Sierra Foothills Red Blend. But first, here’s a little about Omen Wines in their own words…
Omen wines are hand-crafted from high-quality fruit purchased from “hidden gem” AVA vineyards.
High on the hilltops in California sits an abandoned monastery that undisputedly has the best view of the Santa Rita Hills. It is there that Atlas Vineyard Management is lucky enough to farm what is considered to be one of the best places on the planet to grow Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. One Spring day in 2014, an AVM team member took and instagrammed a photo of the monastery. “The photo was hauntingly beautiful so we printed it out and taped it to a wine bottle. We thought it would make a great label. Visitors loved the bottle and excitedly asked if that was our own wine that we were making. After what seemed liked hundreds of inquiries it was obvious that it was a sign! We needed to make our own wine, and so Omen was born. Today that original Instagram photo is still featured on our Sierra Foothills Red Blend bottle and it has inspired a series of other photos and wines that we are proud to offer as part of our Omen line.”
Winemaker Alexandre Remy hails from Rennes, France. He holds a master’s degree in food science from the University of Montpellier. His desire to make wine took him to Marlborough, Victoria and Napa Valley.
Sustainability: Omen is committed to sustainability, from the vineyards all the way to the labels, printed on 100% recycled materials. Starting with the 2015 vintage, they are only using Diam Corks, a company that not only has an amazing environmental policy and is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council®, but also guarantees closures that are cork taint free. For the vinification, OMEN partners with wineries that are within 50 miles of where the grapes are grown. The barrels used are made from French oak staves but are assembled right here in the USA. Finally, OMEN works exclusively with warehouses that support The Green Initiative Fund. The wines are vegan.
Here’s what they have to say about the cab…
52% Cabernet Sauvignon from Bellum’s Vineyard, Paso Robles AVA: deep, alluvial soils and maritime climate result in richness and incredible length
• Blended with Cabernet Sauvignon from single vineyards of decomposed granite and high elevation (2300-2500 feet) of the Calaveras, Fair Play and El Dorado AVAs, along with a touch of Petit Sirah and Syrah
• Aged for one year in French oak (30% new), this is very bold and powerful wine that is also approachable and balanced
And a few words about their red blend…
Blackberry jam, cherry, and dark chocolate are spiced up by a touch of licorice and clove.
• Pairs great with bacon cheeseburgers
• 50% Zinfandel, 25% Barbera, 15% Syrah, and 10% Petite Sirah
• French Oak: 30% new, 70% neutral