The Duncan family’s love of wine is undisputed. Family patriarch Ray Twomey Duncan was a cofounder of Silver Oak Cellars. His sons, David and Tim, now oversee the family business, which includes the famed Cabernet house as well as the OVID, Timeless and Twomey labels. On this warm fall day, our destination is Twomey’s Sonoma County venue (the label also has tasting rooms in Northern California’s Napa and Anderson valleys and Oregon’s Dundee Hills).
Situated on Westside Road, just on the border between the Russian River Valley and Dry Creek Valley AVAs, Twomey welcomes visitors to a modern tasting space—clean lines and industrial touches—with minimal distractions (no over-packed marketplace, just a few tasteful souvenirs). The focus is clearly on the wine.
A place of pinot
Today, Twomey boasts 10 distinct pinots and a sauvignon Bblanc, all sourced from vineyards up and down the Pacific Coast, each as unique as its place of origin. Three different tasting experiences are available, running from $25 to $55; a selection of locally sourced cheeses, cured meats, olives, crackers, dried fruits and nuts can be added to any seated tasting for $75 (for the group).
Our Twomey Experience ($35) includes four wines. As we sample, we talk about the brand’s history, the family legacy and winemaking passions. Our host is friendly and knowledgeable, happy to go as deep (or not) into the wineverse as we feel comfortable. Her enthusiasm for the brand is obvious.
First up is the 2022 sauvignon blanc. Sourced from five separate vineyards across Sonoma and Napa counties, the wine is a delightful mix of citrus and stone fruit, sharp and clean but not astringent or “bitey.”
Our tasting also includes three pinots—on this day, two blends and a vineyard designate (selections vary)—and the differences are remarkable. The 2021 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is juicy and sweet, with dark fruits on the nose and palate, a bit of spice and a silky mouthfeel.
2021’s Anderson Valley Pinot is sourced from three vineyards, two of which also have designated wines. Tasting this one (and comparing it to those others) highlights what each fruit source brings to the blend. It’s an eye-opening juxtaposition.
The 2021 Bearman Bend Vineyard designate wine is fruit-forward, with cherries and herbs leading the way, balanced tannins providing structure and a long, bright finish. Fruit from this vineyard is also included in the Anderson Valley wine.
As a bonus, we’re treated to a taste of Monument Tree Vineyard Pinot Noir, which also contributes fruit to the Anderson Valley wine. A real standout, it’s lush and earthy, with spice on the nose and a strong, structured backbone. (The Bearman Bend and Monument Tree vines are only a short distance apart but face different directions. The resulting fruit profiles are miles apart.)
We’re seated outside, enjoying the natural beauty and expansive view; birds swoop and sing, bees hum, awesome music is playing and the vibe is easy and relaxed. As our time winds down, we reflect on the wines, the day and the experience. All have been exceptional.
Did You Know?
The Duncan family label called Timeless Napa Valley was created to honor family patriarch Ray Duncan. It’s a best-of-the-best blend that includes cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot and petit verdot from the family’s Soda Canyon Ranch in Napa. It’s named for a song written by Duncan’s son David for his father’s 85th birthday. Ray Duncan passed two weeks before the party and never heard the song.
At A Glance
(707) 942-7122 or reservations@twomey.com
Twomey.com
Hours
Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tastings
Twomey Experience, a selection of our pinots noir, $35
Twomey-Silver Oak Experience, current releases of Silver Oak cabernet sauvignon and two Twomey pinots noir, $55
Wine Country Provisions can be added to our seated tasting experience. Box serves up to four guests for $75 and includes house cured salami, artisan cheeses, olives, nuts, crackers and dried fruit.
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