{"title":"Twomey Cellars","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"twomey-cellars-sauvignon-blanc","title":"Twomey Cellars Sauvignon Blanc","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTwomey Cellars Sauvignon Blanc\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 100% Sauvignon Blanc from Northern California's premier appellations, bottled at approximately 13.8% ABV in a standard 750ml format. What distinguishes this wine from most California Sauvignon Blancs is its unconventional production: 90% of the juice is fermented in French oak barrels rather than stainless steel, yielding a richness and textural weight that James Suckling described as \"more like a Bordeaux blanc\" than a typical California expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: ~13.8%  |  Origin: Napa Valley, Anderson Valley \u0026amp; Russian River Valley, California  |  100% Sauvignon Blanc  |  Winery: Twomey Cellars (est. 1999, Duncan Family)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTwomey Cellars was founded in 1999 by the Duncan family, best known as the proprietors of Silver Oak Cellars—one of Napa Valley's most recognized Cabernet Sauvignon producers. While Silver Oak focuses exclusively on red wine, Twomey was created to explore varietals and regions beyond that scope. The Sauvignon Blanc draws fruit from estate vineyards across three distinct appellations—Napa Valley, Anderson Valley, and Russian River Valley—capturing a range of microclimates in a single blend. Roughly 90% of the wine is fermented in French oak barrels, of which only 10% are new, while the remaining 10% sees stainless steel to preserve aromatic brightness. The wine then ages five months on fine lees with regular stirring (bâtonnage), building the creamy mouthfeel that has become its signature.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with grapefruit rind and Meyer lemon before unfolding into white peach, star fruit, and delicate floral notes of jasmine and elderflower. A subtle chalky minerality sits underneath, adding sophistication to the aromatics.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is juicy and fruit-sweet, with honey and citrus leading into a mid-palate of ripe mango, green apple, and kaffir lime leaf. The oak fermentation becomes evident as a creamy, almost waxy texture fills the mouth, balanced by lively acidity that keeps the wine bright and focused. Baking spice nuances emerge toward the back palate, adding complexity without heaviness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is long and lingering, resolving with fresh citrus, white peach, and a saline mineral quality. A high-toned spicy note persists at the very end, keeping everything lively and persistent.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Twomey Sauvignon Blanc\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis wine drinks beautifully on its own, slightly chilled to around 50–55°F, where its layered aromatics and oak-driven texture can fully express themselves. A few minutes of breathing after pouring helps open the floral and stone fruit notes. For cocktail and wine-based drink applications, consider these options: a \u003cstrong\u003eWhite Wine Spritzer\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the wine's inherent creaminess holds up against sparkling water better than leaner Sauvignon Blancs; a \u003cstrong\u003eFrench 75 variation\u003c\/strong\u003e using a splash of Twomey in place of the traditional Champagne for added body; or a classic \u003cstrong\u003eKir\u003c\/strong\u003e, where a touch of crème de cassis complements the wine's stone fruit and floral character without overwhelming it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a wine lover who appreciates Sauvignon Blanc beyond the typical crisp, grassy style\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA dinner party opener alongside seafood or charcuterie courses\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExploring the fuller, oak-fermented side of California Sauvignon Blanc\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with spring and summer cuisine at an outdoor gathering\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Twomey Sauvignon Blanc taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Twomey Sauvignon Blanc delivers a creamy, medium-bodied profile with flavors of white peach, Meyer lemon, green apple, and mango, accented by subtle baking spice from French oak fermentation. Lively acidity balances the richness, finishing with lingering citrus and saline minerality.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Twomey Sauvignon Blanc compare to Cakebread Cellars Sauvignon Blanc?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are premium Napa-sourced Sauvignon Blancs, but they diverge in winemaking philosophy: Cakebread emphasizes crisp acidity with bright grapefruit and melon flavors typical of stainless steel fermentation, while Twomey's 90% French oak fermentation and lees aging produce a noticeably richer, more textural wine closer in style to white Bordeaux. Twomey also incorporates fruit from Anderson Valley and Russian River Valley, broadening its aromatic complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Twomey Sauvignon Blanc good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes—its layered aromatics, creamy texture, and balanced acidity make it an excellent standalone sipper, especially when served lightly chilled around 50–55°F to let the oak-derived complexity emerge.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Twomey Sauvignon Blanc made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Twomey Sauvignon Blanc is produced by Twomey Cellars, a winery founded in 1999 by the Duncan family in Northern California. The fruit is sourced from estate vineyards across Napa Valley, Anderson Valley, and Russian River Valley.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Twomey Sauvignon Blanc?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled halibut or sea bass, where the wine's weight matches the fish's meatiness; goat cheese salads, which echo the wine's citrus and floral notes; roasted chicken with herbs, complemented by the subtle oak spice; prosciutto-wrapped melon, bridging the wine's fruit-sweet entry; and shellfish risotto, where the creamy textures mirror each other.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Twomey Sauvignon Blanc come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Twomey Sauvignon Blanc is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Twomey Sauvignon Blanc worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Twomey positions as a premium California Sauvignon Blanc, priced above everyday bottles but justified by its multi-appellation sourcing, French oak fermentation, and lees aging—production steps rarely seen at this level. For drinkers seeking a Sauvignon Blanc with genuine complexity rather than simple refreshment, it represents strong value within its tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Twomey Sauvignon Blanc?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe defining move here is the decision to ferment 90% of the wine in French oak—a technique far more common in white Burgundy or Bordeaux Blanc production than in California Sauvignon Blanc. That choice, paired with five months of lees stirring, creates a wine that occupies rare middle ground: it retains the bright varietal character of Sauvignon Blanc while delivering the weight and mouthfeel of a barrel-fermented Chardonnay. The multi-appellation blend—drawing cool-climate fruit from Anderson Valley and Russian River alongside Napa Valley grapes—adds aromatic depth that single-source wines often lack. For anyone who has written off Sauvignon Blanc as one-dimensional, this bottle makes a compelling argument to reconsider.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Twomey Cellars","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837451399337,"sku":"26455","price":34.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Twomey-Cellars-Sauvignon-Blanc__00340.jpg?v=1730482706"},{"product_id":"twomey-cellars-merlot-2015","title":"Twomey Cellars Merlot 2015","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTwomey Cellars Merlot 2015\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Napa Valley red wine bottled at 14.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Guided by consulting winemaker Jean-Claude Berrouet — the legendary former winemaker at Château Pétrus — this vintage earned a 94-point rating from Wine Spectrum and a 92-point critics score average on Wine Searcher.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Napa Valley, California  |  Vintage: 2015  |  Winery: Twomey Cellars\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTwomey Cellars is the sister label of Silver Oak, both part of the Duncan family's portfolio. The Merlot fruit is sourced from the Soda Canyon property, situated a stone's throw from the Stags Leap and Oak Knoll AVAs — the same vineyard estate best known for producing Silver Oak's acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2015 blend comprises 81.7% Merlot, 14.9% Cabernet Franc, and 3.4% Petit Verdot, aged for approximately 18 months in French oak barrels, one-third of which were new. Central to the wine's texture is soutirage traditionnel, a labor-intensive racking process that moves wine barrel to barrel by gravity rather than pump, gently softening tannins while clarifying and enhancing aromatic complexity. Since 2012, Twomey has worked with Jean-Claude Berrouet, whose decades-long tenure at Château Pétrus on Bordeaux's Right Bank makes him one of the world's foremost authorities on Merlot-based wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The glass opens with a slightly opaque scarlet red hue and delivers immediate aromas of black cherry, roasted meat, and mocha. A second pass reveals dried blueberry, cumin, light floral violet, and hints of dry chamomile.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is velvet-soft with a fruit-forward attack of black cherry, plum, and pomegranate. The mid-palate fills out with luscious red and black fruit — raspberry and blackcurrant — underscored by dark chocolate and vanilla. Fine-grained, structured tannins carry the wine through a polished, full-bodied profile that remains remarkably youthful approaching a decade of age.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long and elegant, with firm but well-integrated tannins that taper into lingering notes of dark cherry, cocoa, and subtle spice. The finish rewards patience, unfurling gradually with each sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Twomey Merlot 2015\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis wine is best served at 60–65°F. It drinks beautifully on its own and benefits from 30–60 minutes of decanting to let the soutirage-softened tannins fully open. A wine of this structure and complexity is at its finest enjoyed neat from a large-bowled Bordeaux glass. For cocktail-adjacent pairings: try it alongside a classic \u003cstrong\u003eSangria\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the dark fruit core adds depth and richness; use it as the red wine component in a \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e for a casual warm-weather gathering; or serve it in a \u003cstrong\u003eMulled Wine\u003c\/strong\u003e during cooler months, where its cherry and spice notes meld naturally with traditional mulling spices.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a Bordeaux or Napa Valley enthusiast who appreciates Right Bank–style reds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eServing as the centerpiece wine at an intimate dinner party with braised meats\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCellaring as a collectible vintage with continued aging potential\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarking a 2015 milestone — anniversary, birth year, or memorable occasion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Twomey Merlot 2015 taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It leads with ripe black cherry and plum, backed by dark chocolate, mocha, and vanilla, all carried on velvety, fine-grained tannins through a long, elegant finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Twomey Merlot 2015 compare to Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both wines originate from the Duncan family's Soda Canyon vineyard in Napa Valley, but Twomey's Merlot-dominant blend delivers a softer, more fruit-forward and silky profile compared to Silver Oak's more structured, tannic Cabernet Sauvignon. The Twomey also relies on French oak aging and gravity racking, while Silver Oak is known for its signature American oak program.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Twomey Merlot 2015 good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — its full body, polished tannins, and layered fruit make it an excellent neat sipper, especially after 30–60 minutes of decanting to let the aromas fully develop.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Twomey Merlot 2015 made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Twomey Cellars produces this wine in Napa Valley, California, using fruit from the Duncan family's Soda Canyon property located near the Stags Leap and Oak Knoll AVAs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Twomey Merlot 2015?\u003c\/strong\u003e Slow-braised short ribs complement the wine's roasted meat and dark fruit character. Grilled lamb chops echo its herbal undertones. Aged Gouda or Comté cheese mirror its richness and vanilla notes. Dark chocolate desserts harmonize with the mocha and cocoa on the finish. Mushroom risotto bridges the wine's earthy depth and velvety texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Twomey Merlot 2015 come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is a 750ml bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Twomey Merlot 2015 worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Twomey Merlot positions as a premium Napa Valley red, and the involvement of Jean-Claude Berrouet — one of the most respected Merlot winemakers in history — combined with the labor-intensive soutirage process and high critical scores places it firmly within the upper tier of American Merlots for the price.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Twomey Merlot 2015?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFew American Merlots carry the fingerprint of a winemaker who spent over four decades at Château Pétrus. Jean-Claude Berrouet's consulting role at Twomey since 2012 brings a distinctly Right Bank sensibility to Napa Valley fruit, and the 2015 vintage reflects that pedigree with its polished structure and layered complexity. The traditional soutirage racking — rarely practiced at this scale in California — results in a textural refinement that sets this wine apart from more conventionally produced competitors. With a 94-point Wine Spectrum rating, a 92-point critics average, and nearly a decade of bottle age demonstrating its longevity, the 2015 vintage represents one of the strongest arguments for taking Napa Merlot seriously.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Twomey Cellars","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837482627241,"sku":"21592","price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Twomey-Cellars-Merlot__31923.jpg?v=1730483924"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/twomey-cellars.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}