2nd stop: Twomey Winery and Tasting Room

Nestled along the everlasting Silverado Trail in Calistoga is a small elegant winery known as Twomey. Twomey is owned and operated by the Duncan family who also are the proprietors of the iconic Silver Oak Cellars. Started in 1999, the Soda Canyon vineyard was acquired with fully mature Merlot vines already established there. Known for one of the only single vineyard Merlot's, this wine will not disappoint if you ever make your way up there. Rich, silky and fruit forward concentrated with a never ending finish it's hard to stop drinking it once you have started.

We arrived at Twomey early enough in the day to where it was not completely packed yet in the tasting room and lucky for me Ross was my tasting guide. We started off with their newly released 2013 Sauvignon Blanc which portrayed very forward citrus and floral aromas, tropical fruit on the middle palate with a crisp lingering finish, amazing! As we progressed talking about tasting notes, history of the winery and vineyards, Ross tasted me on their evolution of Pinot Noir. The three Pinot Noir I tried, all same vintage 2012 coming from three distinct regions; Sonoma Coast, Anderson Valley and Russian River.

2012 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir display very bright acidity in the front with characteristics of rose petal, cherry and a slight smokey flavor on the finish. This was only the beginning. 

2012 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir was silky smooth, creamy and so delicious. Ripe strawberry, cherry and roses on the finish was absolutely boggling my mind.

2012 Russian River Pinot Noir. Generally my favorite Pinot Noir come from the Russian River AVA and this one did not disappoint. Full bodied, silky and seductive flavors of ripe cherry, strawberry and sweet spice filled my senses and took over me completely. A smooth middle palate that burst with flavor and a slightly tannic finish. This is what Pinot Noir was made to do, make you fall in love with wine so when someone says that's a great wine. all you can is "oh yes, Love That Wine."

To finish this extravagant experience was heart breaking but the best was only yet to come. The 2009 Napa Valley Merlot. Easily the best Merlot I have ever tried, forget every preconception you have about Merlot because this will make you a believer if you are already are not. Grown from French clones in volcanic soils, this wine is truly in a league of its own. Full bodied, silky and seductive, your mouth fills with ripe berry, smooth spice, chocolate and coffee. From the first sip to the last drop, the taste and sensation is addicting. These are the type of times that make you love wine tasting and keep searching for more.

To find out more about Twomey wines visit them at their website:
www.twomey.com/#!/welcome or if you plan on stopping by ask for Ross and say you read Love That Wine.