Twin Oaks Vineyard

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Jul 23, 2014

Favorite Wine: Royal Ruby Port (Norton-Chambourcin blend)

Promised Norton Wine Update Review from original Oct 2010 notes: *[Today we found the occasion to open Twin Oaks' eight-year-in-bottle aged 2006 22 month oak barreled $39 Hutson Reserved Norton wine. Oh my goodness, ~ the perfect, lightly smoked fennel aromas of a classic dark Norton wine. My wife's bouquet description popped out as "being rowed on a moonlit night surrounded by floating candles"] Twin Oaks Vineyards is a family operation with parent owners and sons working as vintner and manager. The tasting room sets over a gentle view of several acres of well labeled grape vines and pond. If coming in on a weekend, be prepared to enjoy the setting with a host of other visitors. Crowded, yes, but in an appreciative environment. A nice balance of dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet, sweet and specialty wines are offered. If crowded, you will be limited in trying to ask tasting questions since only two friendly men will be holding down fort for tastings, sales, and managing the vineyard events (in our case live music and people getting ice buckets with wine for sitting on the patio). The dry whites were nice, but to us not their strength. Here, like in surrounding vineyards, we found tastes of near equally blended Chambourcin and Norton grapes. Twin Oaks’ Shady Oak blend did not bring out the unique characteristics of each grape. The ’07 Norton, from 10 year old vines, seemed typical for Norton wines from Southeast Missouri, showing faint aromas and not as bold taste as can be found in the Augusta-Defiance areas of Missouri just west of St. Louis. Though a bit green in taste, which I don’t think will be helped with extended aging, this Norton was delightful tonight with marinated Italian seasoned, over-the-fire Prime T-bone steaks. Be aware that not offered in their tasting is an available 2006 Hutson Reserve Norton wine. *I will report later on this Norton when we find the right occasion to remember our nice Twin Oaks encounter. Likewise, TOV’s Chambourcin was clearly produced as a nice table wine which will have appeal to many, but again not bold or distinctive. Interestingly they not only present a dry Traminette, but have available a sweet Traminette which would have picnic appeal. When it came to TOV’s specialty wines they not only had a “Lite” Hutson Reserve port, but a Royal Ruby which my wife snatched up quickly. It was fun to see what could be again produced with a combination of Norton and Chambourcin grapes making an appealing port. This is a vineyard where we found a nice setting, interesting wines and great hospitality.

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Aug 23, 2011

Favorite Wine: Shady Oak

– The first thing you notice is how new and manicured the vineyards are at the front gates and the same for the grounds around the tasting room, patios, pond and parking lots. The wines were decent but not any real standouts. We tried the Norton and their Norton reserve (the Hutson Reserve) and their Chambourcin. Of these three the Hutson Reserve was marginally better but not to the tune of $39.95 a bottle in our opinion. As an overall value, we liked their Shady Oak best which is a Norton / Chambourcin blend. This is a new winery so a little more maturity and development will probably make future visits more memorable.

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: May 26, 2011

Love the wineritas!!

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: May 26, 2011

Favorite Wine: Vignoles Dry

As soon as you pull into the gates you are surrounded with beautiful grapevines.Tasting Room was very nice. Not too large and not too small.The Employees made me feel very welcome. Tasting Room is decorated with interesting antiques--they even have Clark Gables jacket from GONE WITH THE WIND!! Wine tasting was great. Loved all the wines, but my favorite was the Vignoles dry. Since I don't live really close, I was pleased to know shipping was no problem. I joined the wine club---this is a first for me--and have been very pleasantly surprised. Not only do I receive great wine but there is always a newsletter, recipe card and a gift. These people know how to make you feel special!!!

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: May 02, 2011

Well, I haven't actually been to the winery since I'm always in a work vehicle when I go to this part of the state, but the Pasta House or something in Farmington carries their Norton-Chambourcin blend and it's really quite nice. I can't wait to go in my own car so I can stop and meet these folks. Good wine. Worth the visit.

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Jan 12, 2011

Favorite Wine: Two Brothers, Vignoles

LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this Winery. We expected to stop in for a quick vistit, but a great Band was playing and we ended up spending most of the day on their wonderful patio. We had the Two Brothers---their most popular wine-- and went home with an assorted case of wine. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. They were doing a cookie and wine pairing that day, which was great fun. I would advise you to check their event schedule frequently, there is some great entertainment there!

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Jan 12, 2011

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Jun 22, 2009

They charge for tasting mediocre wine. Beautiful setting. Went there once, won't go back.