2009 Twomey Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Twomey Cellars has wineries in Calistoga and Healdsburg and vineyards in Napa Valley and in Russian River Valley. The winery was established in the late 1990s when brothers David and Tim Duncan purchased a vineyard in the Soda Canyon Ranch area of southeastern Napa Valley. The Duncan family owns Silver Oak Cellars and in 2000 they acquired a 9-acre vineyard in the Russian River Valley. Winemaker Daniel Baron worked in Pomerol and St.-Emilion before becoming a Napa Valley winemaker. Twomey produces Merlot, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc.

Sonoma Coast AVA runs from San Pablo Bay in the south to Mendocino County in the north. It includes 7,000 vineyard acres and earned AVA status in 1987. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean means it gets double the rainfall of nearby inland appellations and the ocean gives the appellation a relatively cool climate. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir can thrive in these conditions, and there are numerous producers making critically acclaimed Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.