Jean-Claude Berrouet Joins Twomey Cellars as Winemaking Consultant

NAPA VALLEY, Calif., May 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Twomey Cellars announced today that world renowned winemaker Jean-Claude Berrouet has joined the Twomey winemaking team as Winemaking Consultant. Berrouet will work closely with Director of Winemaking Daniel Baron in the production of Twomey's Napa Valley Merlot.

Berrouet was recruited to be winemaker and technical director for Etablissement Jean-Pierre Moueix in 1964 where he was responsible for the production of their complete range of wines from Pomerol and St. Emilion. These estates included over a dozen properties among which were Chateaux Magdelaine, Trotanoy and Petrus. He functioned in this role for 44 vintages. Retired since 2008, he, with the help of his son, Jean-Francois, currently works as a technical consultant for wineries in Israel, Argentina, China and, of course, France.

Berrouet and Baron began a long friendship in the early 1980s when Baron worked for a year for Etablissement Jean-Pierre Moueix under Berrouet's tutelage. They remained in close professional contact from 1982 to 1993 while both were associated with Dominus Estate.

"It is a dream come true to work with Jean-Claude again after almost a 20-year hiatus," said Baron. "Much of my style of winemaking is based on his aesthetic. In fact, I often credit my time with him as one of the inspirations that led to Twomey Cellars. Jean-Claude knows how to combine subtlety, intensity and balance in a wine and his joy of living comes through in every glass."

"This opportunity gives me the pleasure of linking friendship and professional activity in a region that has a special place in my heart," said Berrouet.

"We are thrilled that Jean-Claude, a master of Merlot, has chosen to work with us," said David R. Duncan, Managing Partner of Twomey Cellars and President and CEO of Silver Oak Cellars. "With his many years of experience making world-class wines based on the Merlot varietal, there is no doubt that he will have an immense impact on the evolution of Twomey wines."

The Duncan Family, also makers of Silver Oak, established Twomey Cellars in 1999 with the same philosophy that has directed Silver Oak since its founding: make exceptional, food-friendly wines that are drinkable upon release. At its wineries in Calistoga and Healdsburg, Twomey works to create approachable, handcrafted Merlot, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc that customers can enjoy with friends and family. Twomey most recently celebrated the release of its 2010 Russian River Valley, Anderson Valley and Sonoma Coast Pinot Noirs and its 2011 Estate Sauvignon Blanc on April 28, 2012.

For more information, please visit the Twomey website at www.twomey.com.

About Twomey

The Duncan Family of Silver Oak established Twomey Cellars in 1999 to pursue the discovery of varietals in California beyond Cabernet Sauvignon. With a focus on excellence and sustainability, Twomey sources fruit for its Merlot, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc from some of the best appellations and vineyard sites in California. Director of Winemaking Daniel Baron and Winemaker Ben Cane work together to create balanced, approachable wines that pair well with food.

SOURCE Twomey Cellars