The grapes for Twomey Cellars come exclusively from the Soda Canyon Ranch in southeastern Napa Valley, where the rolling hills of volcanic soils are tightly planted with French Merlot clones selected for their low yield of small, intense berries. The shoots are trained vertically for optimal sun and air exposure. In this mild climate tempered by cool, foggy breezes, Merlot ripens slowly and develops rich black fruit character and extraordinary complexity.

Wine maker notes

Our 2007 Twomey Merlot is a beautiful example of what this noble variety can achieve in an excellent vintage: suppleness, complexity and great expression of berry fruit. It has a dark ruby color and a nose of fresh, ripe black cherry and blackberry, dark chocolate and what the French call "torifaction,” the alluring smell of roasting coffee. On the palate, it has an attack full of explosive fruit and violets prolonged by plenty of "umami,” the savory fifth taste. It has a long finish, echoing berry fruit, chocolate and grainy, well-integrated tannins that promise excellent cellaring potential. This Merlot will continue to give drinking pleasure through 2022.

Technical notes

Barrel Aging The wine was aged for 15 months in 33% new, 33% once-used and 33% older French oak barrels with thin staves that allow gentle aeration. Composition: 94% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 1% Cabernet Sauvignon Alcohol: 13.9%