Winemaker Notes
Critical Acclaim
All Vintages
The Duncan Family
Twomey was founded 20 years ago by the Duncan Family of Silver Oak to make dynamic, vineyard-focused wines. Brothers David, Tim, Kevin and Mike founded Twomey Cellars as a Duncan family venture in 1999. Proprietors David and Tim oversee day-to-day operations at the winery.
The Philosophy
Over the years, their passion for Pinot Noir opened exciting new doors to cool climate vineyard opportunities. With each vineyard, the goal is always to craft wines that reflect a delicate balance among a vineyard’s unique micro-climate, soil profile and the human hand—all while capturing the classic character of their respective growing regions.
Sustainable Twomey
Farming with long-term respect for the environment plays a critical role in fruit character and quality. With wines focused on capturing the essence of place, their farming techniques focus on proven methods—from advanced water conservation technologies to the use of cover crops, fish-friendly farming and integrated pest management—that protect the land for future generations.
While the Russian River Valley is a large appellation with multiple climate zones and soil types, it is best known for cool-climate varieties, with Pinot Noir as the most celebrated. The grapes benefit from a reliable late afternoon flow of Pacific Ocean fog through the Petaluma Gap and along the Russian River Valley that ensures slow and steady ripening and the preservation of grape acidity. Today many of California’s most highly regarded Pinot Noir vineyards are in the Russian River Valley, along with its sub-appellation, Green Valley.
Historically Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs had bright red fruit and delicate earthy, mineral notes. But changes in viticultural and winemaking practices have led to stylistic changes in some of the region’s wines. Adjustments to canopy management, among other techniques, have resulted in riper fruit and bolder wines as well. These show flavors of black cherry, blackberry, cola, spice and darker, loamy earth tones, accenting traditional Pinot Noir notes of strawberry, raspberry and light cherry.
