Twomey Newsletter Fall 2008

Vintage Description: The 2005 growing season began with a rainy spring. This led to a late budbreak and vigorous shoot growth. The weather at bloom was perfect and resulted in a generous crop that matured evenly as the summer progressed. The late summer and fall were moderate, and this further prolonged ripening. Extended time on the vines allowed the grapes to develop deep color and great concentration.

Winemaking: The wine was aged for 16 months in 65% new and 35% used French oak barrels with thin staves that allow gentle aeration. Key to Winemaker Daniel Baron’s vision for Twomey Merlot is the old-world technique called soutirage traditional. Several times during aging, the wine is racked barrel to barrel using gravity rather than a pump. This gentle handling preserves the wine’s full aromatic intensity while achieving a crystal-clear brilliance and smooth, silky texture.

Tasting Notes: Our 2005 Twomey Merlot is a voluptuous, robust and balanced expression of this noble variety. It has a deep garnet color and an intensely concentrated nose of black cherry, blackberry essence, wild game and freshly ground black pepper. On the palate, it is full-bodied and velvety, with fine-grained tannins and an extremely long finish. This Merlot will continue to give drinking pleasure through 2018.

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