January 25, 2012
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Twomey Cellars
| Owner(s) | Raymond Twomey Duncan |
| Web site | www.twomeycellars.com |
| Link to this site |
Twomey Cellars originated from a dream of owners Raymond Twomey Duncan and his family to employ a labor-intensive approach ( soutirage traditional) utilized by the classified growths in Bordeaux to make a Napa Valley Merlot of great distinction from a single vineyard, Soda Canyon Ranch. The soutirage traditional is a slow process of decanting the wine from one barrel to another without the use of pumps. The wine transfers by gravity using specially-constructed barrels from France. Duncan was a long time owner of Silver Oak Cellars and the winemaker, Daniel Baron, spent considerable time in Pomerol and St. Emilion so the principals were well-qualified to produce this exceptional wine. Angela Kessler, who trained in France, is the assistant winemaker. The Twomey Merlot was released initially in 2000 and was well-received.
In 2001, Duncan leased nine acres on Westside Road in the Russian River Valley. Winemaker Daniel Baron worked closely with Ray Duncan’s sons, Tim and David, to craft a Pinot Noir. Initially a special drainage system was installed in the vineyard and seven of nine acres were planted to a mixture of Pommard and Dijon clones. The remaining two acres had been planted to Martini Clone in 1989 and were used solely in the first two vintages of Twomey Pinot Noir. The nine acres are farmed meticulously with rigorous canopy management and crop thinning. The 2004 vintage was the third Pinot Noir made by Twomey Cellars and marks the first time that fruit from the new plantings were included in the blend.
Twomey Cellars tasting room is open Monday through Saturday from 9-4. It is located two miles south of Calistoga at the intersection of Highway 29 and Dunaweal Lane (1183 Dunaweal Lane). Tastings, including a Twomey tasting glass, are $5. The phone is 800-505-4850. The Twomey Pinot Noir may be purchased on the website, through the tasting room, as well as through retail distribution (stores that stock Silver Oak).
Articles About Twomey Cellars
Andersonoir Valley Pinot Noir Festival (8.40 6/30/2011)
Pinot Briefs (8.1 9/19/2009)
Reach for the Middle for Pinot Noir (8.26 11/24/2010)
Small Sips of Pinot (8.16 6/8/2010)
Small Sips of Pinot (7.6 11/17/2008)
The 9th Annual World of Pinot Noir (7.16 4/18/2009)
Twomey Cellars (7.17 5/7/2009)
Twomey Cellars Pinot Noir (6.3 11/7/2006)
Twomey Cellars: Pinot Noir From the Family of Silver Oak Cellars (8.35 4/11/2011)
Reviewed Wines
2009 Twomey Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc
13.9% alc., $25, screw cap. Sourced primarily from the estate
vineyard surrounding the Twomey winery on Dunaweal Lane just south of Calistoga. Very attractive stately
clear bottle.
·
Clear color in the glass. Aromas of lemon curd, eucalyptus, pineapple and banana. Flavors of
golden apple, lemon, Kumquat zest and grass. A delicate wine that is bright with acidity yet slightly creamy on
the palate. Put a little chill on this and take it along as a perfect summer picnic companion. Good.
Reviewed June 8, 2010
ARTICLE »
2009 Twomey Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., pH 3.48, TA 0.62, 1,782 cases, $50.
Monument Tree (Navarro), Savoy (Philo), and Ferrington (Boonville) vineyards representing different
climates. Aged 14 months in 40% French oak barrels.
·
The nose opens slowly to reveal pleasing
aromas of berry tart, baking spice, and toasty oak. On entry, there is a blast of very appealing cherry
and raspberry fruit which clings to the lengthy finish. Subtle notes of cinnamon spice, vanilla and oak
add interest. Discreet intensity, delicious tasting and noticeably crisp with supple tannins. A beautiful
wine.
Reviewed April 11, 2011
ARTICLE »
2009 Twomey Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., pH 3.49, TA 0.57,
1,100 cases, $50. Sourced from blocks 1, 7 and 9, all organically farmed. Aged 15 months in 35% new
French oak barrels.
·
Both fruity and savory scents highlighted by aromas of strawberries, raspberries,
and fresh cut herbs, with accents of sandalwood and oak vanillin. Strikingly flavorful on the mid palate
with generous amounts of layered red fruits flooding the mouth, yet light on its feet with an appealing
elegance. Plenty of vim and vigor, smooth as silk, with a lively grip of acidity, and some impressive
length on the pleasing finish that makes you want to take another sip. This wine is a love letter from heaven.
Reviewed April 11, 2011
ARTICLE »
2009 Twomey Cellars Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., pH 3.48, TA 0.62, 1,782 cases, $50.
Released April 30, 2011. Sourced from Ferrington, Savoy and Monument Tree vineyards. Twomey purchased
the Monument Tree Vineyard in 2010. 7-day cold soak, indigenous yeast fermentations, some whole cluster,
aged 15 months on the lees in 40% new French oak barrels.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color and clear in
the glass. Attractive aromas of berry preserves, baking spices, petrichlor and gently toasted oak. A graceful
wine with layers of lithe cherry and raspberry fruit that dance on the lengthy finish. Quite drinkable now.
Very good (+).
Reviewed July 1, 2011
ARTICLE »
2009 Twomey Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.6% alc., pH 3.54, TA 0.54, 1,290 cases, $50. Sourced
from WestPin Vineyard in the Middle Reach of the Russian River Valley complimented by a small amount of
fruit from vineyards in Freestone and Forestville. Aged for 14 months in 50% new French oak barrels.
·
Brooding
perfume of black cherries, ripe strawberries, baking spices, crusty bread and faint toasty oak. Perky and
smooth on the palate, with moderately rich flavors of Bing cherry, cola, and oak vanillin. Crisp, with bright
acidity on the refreshing and cherry-filled finish. Much better the following day from a previously opened and
re-corked bottle. Very good.
Reviewed April 11, 2011
ARTICLE »
2009 Twomey Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.6% alc., pH 3.48, TA 0.63, 2,645 cases, $50. Sourced from
Gap’s Crown Vineyard and La Cruz Vineyard, both located in the Petaluma Gap. Aged 14 months in 40% new
French oak barrels.
·
Darker fruited and more intense on the nose with a complimentary note of spice, dried rose
petals, and oak, opening slowly over time in the glass. The most generously flavored wine in the lineup with a
core of juicy cherry pie filling and dark berry flavors accented by notes of dried herbs, vanilla and burnished
oak, leaving the crisp flavor of cherry skins in its wake on the finish. A seamless wine with moderately firm
tannins and well proportioned acidity. Very good (+).
Reviewed April 11, 2011
ARTICLE »
2008 Twomey Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
13.7% alc., pH 3.56, $50. Sourced from Ferrington Vineyard,
Savoy Vineyard and Monument Tree Vineyard. Whole clusters added to the open-top fermenters. 7-day cold
soak. Clones were fermented separately. Juice rested on the skins 5 days post fermentation. Aged 6 months
on the lees and 6 months off the lees in 40% new French oak barrels.
·
Moderately light in color. Restrained
aromas of red berries, cedar and barnyard. Light in body with flavors of strawberries, Red Vines, dried cherries
and game. Supple tannins and easy drinkability but lacks interest. Good.
Reviewed June 8, 2010
ARTICLE »
2008 Twomey Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.62, $50.
Sourced from the estate West Pin Vineyard and Crinella Vineyard. Whole
clusters were added to open top fermenters. Aged 13 months on the lees in 50%
new French oak barrels.
·
Moderately light in color. Aromas of black cherries, red
hots and sawn oak. Tasty cherry cola core without much added nuance.
Tannins are restrained and there is lively acidity on the bright finish. This wine is
understated but charming. Very good.
Reviewed June 8, 2010
ARTICLE »
2008 Twomey Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $50. Sourced
from the Middle Reach. Aged 13 months sur lie in 50% new French oak barrels.
·
Terrific, well-spiced cherry aroma. Fruit driven with copious black cherry, black
raspberry fruit enhanced by flavors of cherry cola and baking spices. Nicely put
together with beautifully married oak. A solid choice. Very good.
Reviewed November 24, 2010
ARTICLE »
2008 Twomey Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir
13.4% alc., pH 3.57, $50. Sourced from Bien Nacido
Vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley. Whole clusters added to open-top fermenters. 7-day cold soak. Post
fermentation maceration. Aged 12 months on the lees in 40% new French oak barrels.
·
Scents of plums,
underbrush and oak char. Middle weight flavors of dark fruits and blueberries with an earthy undertone.
Pleasant and easy to drink with a silky mouth feel. Good.
Reviewed June 8, 2010
ARTICLE »
2008 Twomey Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.58, $50. Sourced from four vineyards including
McDougall Ranch, Putnam, Gap’s Crown and Rodgers Creek. Whole clusters added to open-top fermenters.
7-day cold soak. Each clone was fermented separately. Aged 13 months on the lees in 40% new French oak
barrels.
·
Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Lovely aromas of fresh wild berries and plum tart
with a hint of smoke and sagebrush. Medium-weighted flavors of strawberries, raspberries and an underbody
of citrus. A hint of smoke surfaces in the glass. Lacks mid palate impact and seems awkward, although it
improves some in the glass indicating it will benefit from further aging in the bottle. Good.
Reviewed June 8, 2010
ARTICLE »
2007 Twomey Cellars Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $45.
·
Moderately light ruby color. Extroverted nose of blackberries, tobacco and
violets. Very tasty core of lush black cherry and black berry fruits. The
flavors attack in waves and hold on. Velvety smooth with soft tannins and
balanced acidity. A seductive wine that perfectly fits the description of an
iron fist in a velvet glove.
Reviewed June 5, 2009
ARTICLE »
2007 Twomey Cellars Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $50,
unreleased. This Westside Road winery was founded in 1999 by the Duncan Family,
founders of Silver Oak. This Pinot Noir comes from the winery’s West Pin Vineyard
planted to a mix of Dijon, Pommard and Martini clones and a vineyard in Forestville
planted to Dijon 115 and 777, Pommard, Swan, Calera, Mt. Eden and 420A clones.
·
Flamboyant and precocious for a 2007 vintage wine. Intense boysenberry and black
cherry fruit with almost chewy density that persists on the finish like the memory of a
luscious kiss. Plentiful grip and tannins to offset the fruit.
Reviewed April 18, 2009
ARTICLE »
2007 Twomey Cellars Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $50.
·
Moderately light in color. Delicate aromas of Bing cherries, roses, freshsawn
oak and baking spices. The cherry core is rich and flavorful
enhanced with oak spice and buttressed with ample acidity. Raspberries
linger on the long and dry finish. The velvety texture is heavenly. A
seamless wine with that signature Pinot Noir ephemeral character.
Reviewed May 7, 2009
ARTICLE »
2006 Twomey Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $48.
·
Moderately light
reddish-purple in color. Attractive scents of crushed plums, Bing Cherry, oak smoke
and fresh crusty bread. Dark red cherry fruit on the palate with a hint of raisin and
loamy earth. Silky, supple tannins, and a dry, tangy finish. A good drink that will
please many.
Reviewed November 17, 2008
ARTICLE »
2004 Twomey Cellars Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., 795 cases, $45.
·
This Pinot has a
lovely mahogany color. It has a nose you could drink with notes of red cherries, rhubarb, herbs and oak.
The style is elegant and the mouth feel is luxurious. The finish lingers like what I would imagine to be a
multiple orgasm and features sweet Jolly Rancher cherry, cola, spice and toast. Heaven-sent.
Reviewed November 7, 2006
ARTICLE »
2009 Twomey Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc
13.9% alc., $25, screw cap. Sourced primarily from the estate vineyard surrounding the Twomey winery on Dunaweal Lane just south of Calistoga. Very attractive stately clear bottle. · Clear color in the glass. Aromas of lemon curd, eucalyptus, pineapple and banana. Flavors of golden apple, lemon, Kumquat zest and grass. A delicate wine that is bright with acidity yet slightly creamy on the palate. Put a little chill on this and take it along as a perfect summer picnic companion. Good. Reviewed June 8, 2010 ARTICLE »
2009 Twomey Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., pH 3.48, TA 0.62, 1,782 cases, $50. Monument Tree (Navarro), Savoy (Philo), and Ferrington (Boonville) vineyards representing different climates. Aged 14 months in 40% French oak barrels. · The nose opens slowly to reveal pleasing aromas of berry tart, baking spice, and toasty oak. On entry, there is a blast of very appealing cherry and raspberry fruit which clings to the lengthy finish. Subtle notes of cinnamon spice, vanilla and oak add interest. Discreet intensity, delicious tasting and noticeably crisp with supple tannins. A beautiful wine. Reviewed April 11, 2011 ARTICLE »
2009 Twomey Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., pH 3.49, TA 0.57, 1,100 cases, $50. Sourced from blocks 1, 7 and 9, all organically farmed. Aged 15 months in 35% new French oak barrels. · Both fruity and savory scents highlighted by aromas of strawberries, raspberries, and fresh cut herbs, with accents of sandalwood and oak vanillin. Strikingly flavorful on the mid palate with generous amounts of layered red fruits flooding the mouth, yet light on its feet with an appealing elegance. Plenty of vim and vigor, smooth as silk, with a lively grip of acidity, and some impressive length on the pleasing finish that makes you want to take another sip. This wine is a love letter from heaven. Reviewed April 11, 2011 ARTICLE »
2009 Twomey Cellars Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., pH 3.48, TA 0.62, 1,782 cases, $50. Released April 30, 2011. Sourced from Ferrington, Savoy and Monument Tree vineyards. Twomey purchased the Monument Tree Vineyard in 2010. 7-day cold soak, indigenous yeast fermentations, some whole cluster, aged 15 months on the lees in 40% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color and clear in the glass. Attractive aromas of berry preserves, baking spices, petrichlor and gently toasted oak. A graceful wine with layers of lithe cherry and raspberry fruit that dance on the lengthy finish. Quite drinkable now. Very good (+). Reviewed July 1, 2011 ARTICLE »
2009 Twomey Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.6% alc., pH 3.54, TA 0.54, 1,290 cases, $50. Sourced from WestPin Vineyard in the Middle Reach of the Russian River Valley complimented by a small amount of fruit from vineyards in Freestone and Forestville. Aged for 14 months in 50% new French oak barrels. · Brooding perfume of black cherries, ripe strawberries, baking spices, crusty bread and faint toasty oak. Perky and smooth on the palate, with moderately rich flavors of Bing cherry, cola, and oak vanillin. Crisp, with bright acidity on the refreshing and cherry-filled finish. Much better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Very good. Reviewed April 11, 2011 ARTICLE »
2009 Twomey Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.6% alc., pH 3.48, TA 0.63, 2,645 cases, $50. Sourced from Gap’s Crown Vineyard and La Cruz Vineyard, both located in the Petaluma Gap. Aged 14 months in 40% new French oak barrels. · Darker fruited and more intense on the nose with a complimentary note of spice, dried rose petals, and oak, opening slowly over time in the glass. The most generously flavored wine in the lineup with a core of juicy cherry pie filling and dark berry flavors accented by notes of dried herbs, vanilla and burnished oak, leaving the crisp flavor of cherry skins in its wake on the finish. A seamless wine with moderately firm tannins and well proportioned acidity. Very good (+). Reviewed April 11, 2011 ARTICLE »
2008 Twomey Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
13.7% alc., pH 3.56, $50. Sourced from Ferrington Vineyard, Savoy Vineyard and Monument Tree Vineyard. Whole clusters added to the open-top fermenters. 7-day cold soak. Clones were fermented separately. Juice rested on the skins 5 days post fermentation. Aged 6 months on the lees and 6 months off the lees in 40% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light in color. Restrained aromas of red berries, cedar and barnyard. Light in body with flavors of strawberries, Red Vines, dried cherries and game. Supple tannins and easy drinkability but lacks interest. Good. Reviewed June 8, 2010 ARTICLE »
2008 Twomey Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.62, $50. Sourced from the estate West Pin Vineyard and Crinella Vineyard. Whole clusters were added to open top fermenters. Aged 13 months on the lees in 50% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light in color. Aromas of black cherries, red hots and sawn oak. Tasty cherry cola core without much added nuance. Tannins are restrained and there is lively acidity on the bright finish. This wine is understated but charming. Very good. Reviewed June 8, 2010 ARTICLE »
2008 Twomey Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $50. Sourced from the Middle Reach. Aged 13 months sur lie in 50% new French oak barrels. · Terrific, well-spiced cherry aroma. Fruit driven with copious black cherry, black raspberry fruit enhanced by flavors of cherry cola and baking spices. Nicely put together with beautifully married oak. A solid choice. Very good. Reviewed November 24, 2010 ARTICLE »
2008 Twomey Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir
13.4% alc., pH 3.57, $50. Sourced from Bien Nacido Vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley. Whole clusters added to open-top fermenters. 7-day cold soak. Post fermentation maceration. Aged 12 months on the lees in 40% new French oak barrels. · Scents of plums, underbrush and oak char. Middle weight flavors of dark fruits and blueberries with an earthy undertone. Pleasant and easy to drink with a silky mouth feel. Good. Reviewed June 8, 2010 ARTICLE »
2008 Twomey Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.58, $50. Sourced from four vineyards including McDougall Ranch, Putnam, Gap’s Crown and Rodgers Creek. Whole clusters added to open-top fermenters. 7-day cold soak. Each clone was fermented separately. Aged 13 months on the lees in 40% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Lovely aromas of fresh wild berries and plum tart with a hint of smoke and sagebrush. Medium-weighted flavors of strawberries, raspberries and an underbody of citrus. A hint of smoke surfaces in the glass. Lacks mid palate impact and seems awkward, although it improves some in the glass indicating it will benefit from further aging in the bottle. Good. Reviewed June 8, 2010 ARTICLE »
2007 Twomey Cellars Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $45. · Moderately light ruby color. Extroverted nose of blackberries, tobacco and violets. Very tasty core of lush black cherry and black berry fruits. The flavors attack in waves and hold on. Velvety smooth with soft tannins and balanced acidity. A seductive wine that perfectly fits the description of an iron fist in a velvet glove. Reviewed June 5, 2009 ARTICLE »
2007 Twomey Cellars Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $50, unreleased. This Westside Road winery was founded in 1999 by the Duncan Family, founders of Silver Oak. This Pinot Noir comes from the winery’s West Pin Vineyard planted to a mix of Dijon, Pommard and Martini clones and a vineyard in Forestville planted to Dijon 115 and 777, Pommard, Swan, Calera, Mt. Eden and 420A clones. · Flamboyant and precocious for a 2007 vintage wine. Intense boysenberry and black cherry fruit with almost chewy density that persists on the finish like the memory of a luscious kiss. Plentiful grip and tannins to offset the fruit. Reviewed April 18, 2009 ARTICLE »
2007 Twomey Cellars Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $50. · Moderately light in color. Delicate aromas of Bing cherries, roses, freshsawn oak and baking spices. The cherry core is rich and flavorful enhanced with oak spice and buttressed with ample acidity. Raspberries linger on the long and dry finish. The velvety texture is heavenly. A seamless wine with that signature Pinot Noir ephemeral character. Reviewed May 7, 2009 ARTICLE »
2006 Twomey Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $48. · Moderately light reddish-purple in color. Attractive scents of crushed plums, Bing Cherry, oak smoke and fresh crusty bread. Dark red cherry fruit on the palate with a hint of raisin and loamy earth. Silky, supple tannins, and a dry, tangy finish. A good drink that will please many. Reviewed November 17, 2008 ARTICLE »
2004 Twomey Cellars Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., 795 cases, $45. · This Pinot has a lovely mahogany color. It has a nose you could drink with notes of red cherries, rhubarb, herbs and oak. The style is elegant and the mouth feel is luxurious. The finish lingers like what I would imagine to be a multiple orgasm and features sweet Jolly Rancher cherry, cola, spice and toast. Heaven-sent. Reviewed November 7, 2006 ARTICLE »
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