Twomey 2023 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 750ml

This is Twomey's first Pinot Noir and its showcase for the Russian River Valley. Twomey was created by the Duncan family, the founders of Silver Oak, to explore varieties beyond Cabernet. The winery acquired the Westpin Vineyard in 2000, and the first vintages (2002 to 2004) came from two acres of Martini clone, the only acres not replanted after the long-term lease began. That inaugural 2002 was made at the Silver Oak winery in Oakville.

Today the wine is a blend meant to represent the whole appellation, sourced from the Sebastopol Hills to the Middle Reach neighborhoods of the Russian River Valley. Vineyard sources include Twomey's own "Last Stop" estate in the Green Valley sub-appellation, planted to heritage Calera, Mt. Eden, Swan, and Burgundy Dijon clones, along with Lakeview, Pratt, Bailey, Pinot Hill, and Castro. The 2023 uses 3% whole cluster and ages 10 months in 100% French oak, 25% of it new.

The 2023 vintage began with a cool, wet winter that set up a longer growing season. Ripening was delayed, but the extra hang time allowed steady, balanced maturation. Harvest ran from September 15 at the Last Stop estate in Forestville to October 11 in the Sebastopol Hills. The winery says early tannin maturity let them harvest at slightly higher acidity, producing "a wonderfully fresh and lively wine" with "a deep structural frame that supports and carries the intense fruit and spice notes."

James Suckling scored it 93 Points, finding "savory and spicy aromas of ripe wild strawberries and dark cherries" and "a lovely medium-bodied palate whose silky texture provides ballast for blood oranges, mixed berries, almond cake and dried flowers," with "perky acidity and scrubby herbs" adding detail. Decanter scored it 92, describing "ripe raspberry and cherry fruit... laced with vanilla and fresh cedarwood," medium-bodied, with "darker cherry and blackberry fruit on the mid-palate, accented by brown baking spices." The winemaker's own notes sum it up: "complex aromas of ripe black cherry, cola and violets," a "rich, creamy texture," "fresh, balanced acidity," and a "long, smooth and elegant" finish. It's ready to drink now and should hold for up to about seven years with proper cellaring.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Twomey 2023 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is produced by Twomey Cellars, created by the Duncan family of Silver Oak, in Sonoma County, California. It is 100% Pinot Noir, blended from vineyards across the Russian River Valley, from the Sebastopol Hills to the Middle Reach, including the estate Last Stop vineyard in Green Valley.

Harvest ran September 15 to October 11, 2023, at an average of 24.6° Brix, with 3% whole cluster. The wine aged 10 months in 100% French oak, 25% new. Bottled at 14.3% ABV, 750ml.

Critics Reviews

James Suckling — 93 Points (May 2025):
"Savory and spicy aromas of ripe wild strawberries and dark cherries precede a lovely medium-bodied palate whose silky texture provides ballast for blood oranges, mixed berries, almond cake and dried flowers. Perky acidity and scrubby herbs add further detail. Drink or hold."

Decanter — 92 Points:
"Ripe raspberry and cherry fruit is laced with vanilla and fresh cedarwood. Medium-bodied, it offers darker cherry and blackberry fruit on the mid-palate, accented by brown baking spices."

Twomey (official winemaker's notes):
"The 2023 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is marked by complex aromas of ripe black cherry, cola and violets. On the palate, it reveals a rich, creamy texture with layered flavors that unfold gracefully. Fresh, balanced acidity lifts the wine, providing a vibrant counterpoint to its depth. The finish is long, smooth and elegant, showcasing the care taken in both vineyard and cellar."

Tasting Profile

Nose
Ripe black cherry, cola, and violets lead, with wild strawberry, raspberry, vanilla, and fresh cedarwood.

Palate
Medium-bodied, rich, and creamy, with a silky texture carrying blood orange, mixed berries, almond cake, and brown baking spice, lifted by fresh, balanced acidity.

Finish
Long, smooth, and elegant, with dried flowers and a touch of scrubby herbs.

Quick Overview

Food Pairings

• Duck, goose, and game birds
• Roast chicken or pork tenderloin
• Salmon
• Mushroom dishes