Twomey Cellars by Silver Oak 2014 Merlot, Napa Valley

Silver Oak winery purchased a prime vineyard in Southeastern Napa Valley, the Soda Canyon Ranch. They discovered that amongst the vines planted in this well-drained volcanic soil vineyard, were exceptional French clones of Merlot that exhibited distinct character and intensity. All the grapes for this Twomey Merlot are sourced from this unique single vineyard, where the temperate climate brings low yields and intense black-fruit character.

In 2011, they began an exclusive consultation with Château Pétrus legend Jean-Claude Berrouet on this Soda Canyon Ranch Merlot. By combining Jean-Claude’s expertise and classic sensibilities with leading edge technologies the vineyard team applies a multi-faceted approach that embraces Old World and New. The result is a blend of California’s fruit-forward style with the subtlety and restraint of Bordeaux.

A blend of 79.7% Merlot, 8.3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7.9% Cabernet Franc and 4.1% Petit Verdot, the wine is aged 13 months in 30% new French oak barrels and is hand racked in a painstaking process from barrel to barrel. This eliminates the need for filtration, creating a wine with a purity and vibrancy that's unsurpassed.