Twomey Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2021

Twomey Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2021, crafted under the skilled guidance of Winemaker Justin Hirigoyen, is a striking example of the exceptional quality that Twomey wines are renowned for. This vintage encapsulates the unique terroir of the Russian River Valley, renowned for its fog-influenced microclimates, which are pivotal in crafting wines with a distinctive profile.

The 2021 season in the Russian River Valley was marked by a cool, dry winter and an early spring, with continued drought conditions. These conditions led to smaller canopies and compact clusters, resulting in grapes with intense concentration and balance. The harvest, which spanned from late August to early October, benefited from warm days tempered by the characteristic fog from the Pacific Ocean, preserving the acidity in the berries and lending the vintage a fresh and lively profile. The careful selection of grapes from esteemed vineyards like Last Stop, Lakeview, Pinot Hill, Pratt, Bailey, and Westpin further elevates the quality of this Twomey Pinot Noir.

In the glass, the Twomey Russian River Pinot Noir 2021 presents a mesmerizing color palette, ranging from a deep ruby to a lighter garnet hue, indicative of the Pinot Noir varietal. The wine’s visual appeal is a precursor to the aromatic journey it offers.

On the nose, the wine exudes a symphony of aromas that speak to the region’s diverse terroir. Fragrant red fruits, such as cherries and raspberries, intertwine with the darker notes of boysenberries, creating a multi-layered olfactory experience. A subtle hint of oak adds complexity and depth to the bouquet, enhancing the overall aromatic profile.

Upon tasting, the Twomey Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2021 reveals a firm yet supple palate. The flavor profile is rich in nuances of the aforementioned red and dark fruits, with a delicate balance between fruitiness and the wine’s inherent earthy tones. The 10 months of barrel aging in French oak, with 27% new barrels, imparts a gentle oak influence, seamlessly integrated with the fruit characteristics.

The wine’s body is medium, aligning perfectly with the expectations of a high-quality Pinot Noir. It displays a forward tannin structure that is both supple and well-defined, contributing to the wine’s elegant mouthfeel. The acidity is bright, a hallmark of the 2021 vintage, which brings vibrancy and a refreshing contrast to the wine’s fruit-forward palate.

Critically acclaimed, the Twomey Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2021 received 90 points from Wilfred Wong, who praised its aromatic nature and firm palate. The wine’s balance of fragrant red fruits, boysenberries, and subtle oak nuances make it an excellent companion to a variety of dishes, particularly a grilled rack of lamb, where its flavors would beautifully complement the richness of the meat.

This Twomey Pinot Noir stands as a testament to the winery’s commitment to producing wines that truly reflect the character of their vineyards and the unique vintage conditions. The Twomey Russian River Pinot Noir 2021 is not just a wine, but a narrative of the land, the climate, and the passionate people behind its creation.