Twomey Cellars
2010 Merlot
"SoCaRaNa"
Napa Valley AVA
Auction 16 | Lot No. 20
Vintage: 2010
Twomey Cellars
Merlot
Napa Valley
10 cases produced
Description
Our Soda Canyon Ranch Vineyard is why we make a Merlot. When we brought this vineyard into the Silver Oak family, we discovered some incredible Merlot deserving of its own wine.
However, we decided to mix things up for this occasion and focus on a single block, Block 1, as the source for the Merlot and blended it with Cabernet Franc (5%), also from Soda Canyon Ranch, and Cabernet Sauvignon (15%) from Navone Vineyard, which is the backbone of our Silver Oak lot. The fact that these two vineyards complement each other so well is undeniable, so we had to make two different wines. The same vineyards are used in this year's Silver Oak lot: NaSoCaRa.
Wine Facts
- pH: 3.62000
- Wine is unfiltered
- Sustainably produced
- Wine is 100% estate grown and bottled
Tasting Chart
| bone dry |
|
very sweet |
| light body |
|
very full bodied |
| soft, gentle |
|
very crisp |
| no tannins |
|
heavy tannins |
 |
Daniel Baron
Winemaker, Twomey Cellars
I began working in the vineyards of Knights Valley for John Rolleri in 1971. In 1975, I enrolled at UC Davis and completed my Bachelors and Masters degrees under grape geneticist Harold Olmo. I moved to Anderson Valley in 1978 where I worked as vineyard manager and assistant winemaker at Navarro Vineyards. In 1981, I decided to fulfill my dream to work in Bordeaux. When my first opportunity didn’t pan out as expected, I stayed in France, traveling to many wine regions and working in seven different chateaux throughout the Bordeaux region during the 1981 harvest. I became fluent in the language and learned the business and social customs. In France, you don’t do business until you share a meal. That made a big impression on me.
A chance meeting with Christian Moueix led to a one-year internship at the Chateau Petrus in Pomerol, and there I was befriended by winemaker Jean-Claude Berrouet, cellarmaster Jean Veyssiere and his son Francois. They taught me about wine as a part of culture and how history, quality and tradition are intertwined with the practical aspects of winemaking. After the 1982 vintage, Christian Moueix put me in charge of his new winery in Napa Valley, Dominus Estate.
I worked at Dominus from 1982 to 1994, rising to general manager, when a quirky newspaper ad placed by Justin Meyer of Silver Oak Cellars caught my attention. Justin was looking to name his succesor. We hit it off immediately, and although I wasn’t sure about leaving Dominus, Justin wouldn’t take no for an answer. I worked side by side with Justin until his retirement in 2001.
Justin instilled in me both pride in what Silver Oak had accomplished and the humility to realize that there is always room to improve. He constantly searched for ways to raise quality, and that’s become one of our core values at Silver Oak.
Country born: United States
Education: Bachelor of Science, Plant Science Major, UC Davis graduation with Highest Honors, 1976 Master of Science in Horticulture, UC Davis, 1981
Mentors: John Rolleri, Chateau Montelena;
Dr. Harold Olmo, UC Davis;
Ted Bennett, Navarro Vineyards;
Christiane Moueix, Jean-Claude Berrouet, Michel Gillet, Jean and Francois Veyssiere, Ets JP Moueix;
Justin Meyer, Silver Oak Cellars
Years in the wine industry: years
Honors / Awards:
Citation for Outstanding Performance, Plant Science Major, 1976
Department Citation for Outstanding Undergraduate Accomplishment in Viticulture and Enology, 1976
Board Member, American Society of Enology
President, Napa Valley Wine Technical Group
Winemaking Philosophy:
To me, wine has always been more than something to drink. My family’s love and appreciation of good food, the time I’ve spent in France and the many mentors I've had along the way have led me to an appreciation of the role wine plays in daily life as well as history and culture. To me, creating wine is one of the ways people preserve civilization.
Daniel Baron
Winemaker, Twomey Cellars
I began working in the vineyards of Knights Valley for John Rolleri in 1971. In 1975, I enrolled at UC Davis and completed my Bachelors and Masters degrees under grape geneticist Harold Olmo. I moved to Anderson Valley in 1978, where I worked as vineyard manager and assistant winemaker at Navarro Vineyards. In 1981, I decided to fulfill my dream to work in Bordeaux. When my first opportunity didn’t pan out as expected, I stayed in France, traveling to many wine regions and working in seven different chateaux throughout the Bordeaux region during the 1981 harvest. I became fluent in the language and learned the business and social customs. In France, you don’t do business until you share a meal. That made a big impression on me.
A chance meeting with Christian Moueix led to a one-year internship at the Chateau Petrus in Pomerol, and there I was befriended by winemaker Jean-Claude Berrouet, cellarmaster Jean Veyssiere and his son Francois. They taught me about wine as a part of culture and how history, quality and tradition are intertwined with the practical aspects of winemaking. After the 1982 vintage, Christian Moueix put me in charge of his new winery in Napa Valley, Dominus Estate.
I worked at Dominus from 1982 to 1994, rising to general manager, when a quirky newspaper ad placed by Justin Meyer of Silver Oak Cellars caught my attention. Justin was looking to name his succesor. We hit it off immediately, and although I wasn’t sure about leaving Dominus, Justin wouldn’t take no for an answer. I worked side by side with Justin until his retirement in 2001. Justin instilled in me both pride in what Silver Oak had accomplished and the humility to realize that there is always room to improve. He constantly searched for ways to raise quality, and that’s become one of our core values at Silver Oak.
Country born: United States
Education: Bachelor of Science, Plant Science Major, UC Davis graduation with Highest Honors, 1976 Master of Science in Horticulture, UC Davis, 1981
Mentors: John Rolleri, Chateau Montelena;
Dr. Harold Olmo, UC Davis;
Ted Bennett, Navarro Vineyards;
Christiane Moueix, Jean-Claude Berrouet, Michel Gillet, Jean and Francois Veyssiere, Ets JP Moueix;
Justin Meyer, Silver Oak Cellars
Years in the wine industry: 30+ years
Honors / Awards:
Citation for Outstanding Performance, Plant Science Major, 1976
Department Citation for Outstanding Undergraduate Accomplishment in Viticulture and Enology, 1976
Board Member, American Society of Enology
President, Napa Valley Wine Technical Group
Winemaking Philosophy:
To me, wine has always been more than something to drink. My family’s love and appreciation of good food, the time I’ve spent in France and the many mentors I've had along the way have led me to an appreciation of the role wine plays in daily life, as well as history and culture. To me, creating wine is one of the ways people preserve civilization.
Meritage Wine Market
162 South Rancho Santa Fe Road Suite A-10
Encinitas CA 92024
760-479-2500
Other Premiere Napa Valley Wines available from Meritage Wine Market:
| Winery | Vintage | Variety | Appellation | Fanciful | Auction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morlet Family Vineyards | 2017 | Cabernet Franc | Oakville | Le Fabuleux Franc | 23 (2019) |
| Accendo Cellars | 2016 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 22 (2018) | |
| Rocca Family Vineyards | 2016 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Yountville | Grigsby Vineyard Old Vines Winemaker’s Barrel | 22 (2018) |
| Spoto Family Wines | 2016 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | Cession | 22 (2018) |
| Accendo Cellars | 2016 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 21 (2017) | |
| Arrow&Branch | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Beckstoffer Dr. Crane & Oakville Ranch | 20 (2016) |
| Barbour | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | Man Cave Blend | 20 (2016) |
| Chateau Boswell Winery | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 20 (2016) | |
| Coup De Foudre Winery | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Lightning Bolt | 20 (2016) |
| Freedom Estate Wine | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 20 (2016) | |
| Hiatus Cellars | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | THE FOUNDATION | 20 (2016) |
| Kale Wines | 2014 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Broken Axle | 20 (2016) |
| Krupp Brothers | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | The Doctor & the Bandit | 20 (2016) |
| S. R. Tonella Cellars | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | 20 (2016) | |
| Tuck Beckstoffer Wines | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 20 (2016) | |
| Bell Wine Cellars | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | Clone 6, Ermitage Troncais | 19 (2015) |
| Davis Estates | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Phase V | 19 (2015) |
| Krupp Brothers | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Doctor's Orders | 19 (2015) |
| Memento Mori | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | RTL | 19 (2015) |
| Pahlmeyer | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 19 (2015) | |
| Renteria Wines | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | Beller Bench Blend | 19 (2015) |
| VinRoc Wine Caves | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Atlas Peak | Coyote's Howl | 19 (2015) |
| Arkenstone Vineyards | 2012 | Cabernet Franc | Howell Mountain | Block 7 Upper Vineyard | 18 (2014) |
| Astrale e Terra | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Atlas Peak | Block 6/7 | 18 (2014) |
| Bell Wine Cellars | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | Clone 6, St. Martin Grande Reserve | 18 (2014) |
| Bennett Lane | 2012 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | 18 (2014) | |
| Croze | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | 18 (2014) | |
| Robert Craig Winery | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Howell Mountain | Upper Block | 18 (2014) |
| Spoto Wines | 2012 | Malbec | Oakville | 18 (2014) | |
| Sullivan Vineyards | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | 18 (2014) | |
| Terra Valentine | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Spring Mountain District | The Crown Jewel | 18 (2014) |
| THE GRADE Cellars | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Calistoga | THE MONEY BARREL | 18 (2014) |
| V12 Vineyards | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Twelve | 18 (2014) |
| ADAMVS | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Howell Mountain | Borne | 17 (2013) |
| Amuse Bouche Winery | 2011 | Merlot | Napa Valley | 17 (2013) | |
| Arkenstone Vineyards | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Howell Mountain | Block 1 Lower | 17 (2013) |
| Bennett Lane | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Calistoga | 17 (2013) | |
| Blackbird Vineyards | 2011 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | 17 (2013) | |
| Caspar Estate | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | 17 (2013) | |
| Cliff Lede Vineyards | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | Wild Layla | 17 (2013) |
| Coho | 2011 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Combination of the Two | 17 (2013) |
| Mario Bazán Cellars | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 17 (2013) | |
| Porter Family Vineyards | 2011 | Red Wine | Coombsville | Duet | 17 (2013) |
| Arietta | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Against the Grain | 16 (2012) |
| Barbour Wines | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | Man Cave Blend III | 16 (2012) |
| Oakville East Exposure | 2010 | Cabernet Franc | Oakville | The Sun and The Moon | 16 (2012) |
| Oberon Wines | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Three Elevations | 16 (2012) |
| Spring Mountain Vineyard | 2009 | Red Wine | Spring Mountain District | Elivette's Sister | 16 (2012) |
| TOR Kenward Family Wines | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | 2010 TOR Cabernet Sauvignon, Beckstoffer To Kalon | 16 (2012) |
| Twomey Cellars | 2010 | Merlot | Napa Valley | SoCaRaNa | 16 (2012) |
| Buoncristiani Family Winery | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | JAMN Black & Blue Blend | 15 (2011) |
| Continuum Estate | 2009 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | 15 (2011) | |
| Gargiulo Vineyards | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | OVX vineyard | 15 (2011) |
| HALL | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | Sacrashe Vineyard | 15 (2011) |
| Kenefick Ranch Winery | 2008 | Red Wine | Calistoga | Pickett Road Red | 15 (2011) |
| Longfellow Wine Company | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Vineyard Select | 15 (2011) |
| Nickel & Nickel | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | Hayne Vineyard | 15 (2011) |
| Terra Valentine | 2009 | Cabernet Franc | Spring Mountain District | 15 (2011) | |
| Ahnfeldt Wines | 2008 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Quid Pro Quo IV | 14 (2010) |
| Bennett Lane | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Calistoga | Calistoga Appellation Lot | 14 (2010) |
| Elyse Winery | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 14 (2010) | |
| Frank Family Vineyards | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | Winston Hill Block 5 (Heart Block) | 14 (2010) |
| Hestan Vineyards | 2007 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Stephanie Selection | 14 (2010) |
| Husic Vineyards | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | 14 (2010) | |
| Mi Sueño Winery | 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Selección Herrera | 14 (2010) |
| Ahnfeldt Wines | 2007 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Quid Pro Quo III | 13 (2009) |
| Baldacci Family Vineyards | 2006 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | First Born | 13 (2009) |
| Etude | 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | Vine Hill Ranch | 13 (2009) |
| Page Wine Cellars | 2006 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Your Personal Stash | 13 (2009) |
| Palmaz Vineyards | 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | The Ultimate High | 13 (2009) |
| Provenance Vineyards | 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Three Palms Vineyard | 13 (2009) |
| Versant Vineyards | 2007 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 13 (2009) | |
| Viader Vineyards and Winery | 2007 | Petit Verdot | Napa Valley | 13 (2009) | |
| ZD Wines | Non-vintage | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Petit Abacus | 13 (2009) |
| Krupp Brothers | 2006 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 12 (2008) | |
| Mi Sueño Winery | 2005 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Carpignano Vineyard | 11 (2007) |
| Fantesca Estate and Winery | 2004 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Spring Mountain District | 10 (2006) | |
| Reynolds Family Winery | 2004 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | 10 (2006) | |
| Rocca Family Vineyards | 2004 | Cabernet Sauvignon 50% Syrah 50% | Yountville | Temptress | 10 (2006) |
| ZD Wines | 2005 | Pinot Noir | Los Carneros | Haire Vineyard 667 | 10 (2006) |
| Bennett Lane | 2003 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Spring Mountain District | 9 (2005) | |
| Chappellet Winery and Vineyard | 2003 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 9 (2005) | |
| Miner Family Winery | 2003 | 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 9 (2005) | |
| Provenance Vineyards | 2004 | Cabernet Sauvignon 75%/ Petit Verdot 25% | Oakville | 9 (2005) | |
| Thirteen Appellations | 2003 | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot | Napa Valley | 9 (2005) | |
| Duckhorn Vineyards | 2002 | Merlot | Napa Valley | 25th Harvest Cuvee | 8 (2004) |
Winery Distribution
Twomey Cellars is distributed in the following markets. Please contact the winery directly for the most up-to-date distribution information and to explore commercial opportunities.