1999 Twomey Merlot

The Twomey ranch, on deep volcanic soil just south of the Stags Leap appellation, was purchased by Ray Duncan and Justin Meyer in 1999, with Duncan buying out Meyer in 2000. Of the 160 acres, 90 were planted in the 1990s, and the wine is made in new French oak. Good deep ruby-red. Currant, plum, roasted meat, soy sauce, cooked tomato and a note of green bean on the nose. Bright, smoky and sweet, with a lush texture and good concentration. The acids here seem a bit less streaky than those that characterize the Silver Oak wines, but here the tannins are a bit more aggressive. Finishes bright and firm, with a note of licorice.