TWOMEY SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022

TASTING NOTES

Appearance: Brilliant pale gold with glints of silver and green reflections, showing exceptional clarity and brightness.

Nose: Sophisticated and layered aromatics featuring white peach, Meyer lemon, kaffir lime leaf, and white flowers (jasmine, elderflower). Secondary aromas reveal complexity through notes of freshly cut herbs, wet stone minerality, subtle vanilla, and a touch of lemongrass. The bouquet shows remarkable precision and elegance.

Palate: Medium-bodied with impressive textural richness balanced by vibrant acidity. The entry presents refined citrus notes (Meyer lemon, mandarin) and stone fruit (white nectarine, peach) with subtle tropical undertones (guava, passion fruit). The mid-palate develops with captivating complexity through well-integrated subtle oak influence, providing a creamy roundness that complements rather than masks the variety's natural character. Mouthfeel shows remarkable depth and dimension with a silky texture and excellent balance between fruit, acidity, and structure.

Finish: Long and harmonious with persistent citrus and stone fruit flavors, a refined mineral quality, and elegant oak-derived notes that gradually fade, leaving a sophisticated impression of both freshness and depth.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Producer: Twomey Cellars (Sister winery to Silver Oak)
Region: Estate vineyards in Napa and Sonoma Counties, California
Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2022
Alcohol: 13.8% ABV
Fermentation: 90% French oak barrels (10% new), 10% stainless steel
Aging: 5 months on fine lees with regular stirring
Production: Limited production
Closure: Natural cork

VINEYARD & WINEMAKING NOTES

The 2022 Twomey Sauvignon Blanc sources fruit primarily from their estate vineyards in southern Napa Valley and Russian River Valley, with additional fruit from select partner vineyards in Sonoma County. This diversity of sourcing contributes to the wine's remarkable complexity and balance, with each site adding distinctive elements to the final blend.

The 2022 growing season offered near-ideal conditions for Sauvignon Blanc after several challenging years. A mild spring led to even budbreak and flowering, while summer temperatures remained moderate with few heat spikes. The extended growing season allowed for gradual flavor development while maintaining crucial acidity, producing fruit with exceptional balance and complexity.

Hand-harvested in the cool early morning hours, the fruit was whole-cluster pressed and settled overnight before fermentation. The majority (90%) fermented in French oak barrels (with only 10% new to avoid overwhelming the fruit character), while 10% fermented in stainless steel to preserve aromatic freshness. This thoughtful approach captures both the vibrant varietal character of Sauvignon Blanc and the textural complexity that distinguishes Twomey's sophisticated style.

Following fermentation, the wine aged for 5 months on its fine lees with regular stirring (bâtonnage) to develop richness and complexity. The barrels were selected from forests and coopers specifically chosen to complement Sauvignon Blanc with subtle, elegantly integrated oak character.

FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS

• Seared scallops with brown butter and herbs
• Lobster or crab with citrus butter
• Roast chicken with tarragon
• Goat cheese with herbs and honey
• Spring vegetables with lemon and olive oil
• Sushi and sashimi, particularly with creamy sauces
• Mediterranean-inspired dishes with fresh herbs
• Creamy risotto with spring vegetables

ABOUT TWOMEY CELLARS

Founded in 1999 by the Duncan Family, proprietors of the iconic Silver Oak, Twomey Cellars was established with a vision to explore varietals beyond Cabernet Sauvignon. Named for Ray Duncan's mother, Twomey represents the family's commitment to crafting wines that express the unique character of their respective varietals and vineyard sites.

While initially focused on Merlot and Pinot Noir, Twomey expanded its portfolio to include Sauvignon Blanc in 2007, applying the same meticulous attention to detail and quality that has defined the Duncan family's winemaking approach for decades. Their Sauvignon Blanc program has quickly established itself as a benchmark for premium California expressions of the variety.

Twomey's winemaking philosophy emphasizes site-specific farming, gentle handling, and patience throughout the winemaking process. The winery works exclusively with estate vineyards and select partner growers who share their commitment to sustainable viticulture and quality without compromise.

Under the guidance of winemaker Erin Miller, Twomey has continued to refine its approach to Sauvignon Blanc, developing a distinctive style that balances vibrant varietal character with textural complexity and elegance—representing a sophisticated expression that showcases California terroir while drawing inspiration from the great white wines of Bordeaux.

FASCINATING INSIGHTS ABOUT THE WINE

• Twomey's approach to Sauvignon Blanc represents a distinctly Californian interpretation of the sophisticated white Bordeaux style, emphasizing texture and complexity alongside varietal character.
• Unlike many California producers who focus exclusively on either stainless steel or significant new oak, Twomey's balanced approach with predominantly neutral oak fermentation and aging captures the best of both worlds—preserving varietal purity while adding textural complexity.
• The Duncan family's meticulous attention to detail extends to their cooperage program, with specific barrel selections dedicated to their Sauvignon Blanc program that differ from those used for their red wines.
• While many associate Silver Oak (Twomey's sister winery) exclusively with Cabernet Sauvignon, Twomey allows the Duncan family to explore other varieties with the same commitment to excellence, creating a diverse portfolio that showcases California's viticultural potential.
• The inclusion of Russian River Valley fruit in the blend adds a distinctive aromatic complexity and freshness that complements the richer character of Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc.
• Lees aging with regular stirring (bâtonnage) contributes significantly to the wine's textural complexity and mouthfeel without overwhelming its varietal character.
• Twomey's sustainable farming practices include water conservation, cover cropping, and integrated pest management, reflecting their commitment to environmental stewardship and long-term vineyard health.