Neyers El Novillero Chardonnay

Begun in 1992 by Bruce and Barbara Neyers, Neyers Vineyards produces about 15,000 cases of wine annually. About 25% of our production is Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grown on our 50-acre, organically farmed Conn Valley ranch. The vineyard is managed by Walsh Vineyard Management. We purchase additional grapes from a select group of growers, among them the Sangiacomo family of the Carneros District, Will Nord of Napa and Rossi Ranch of Sonoma County.Winemaker Tadeo Borchardt joined us in 2004 after several years of experience in the industry making wine in both California and New Zealand. He's a Cum Laude graduate of the University of Arizona, a zealous advocate of our natural winemaking practices and an enthusiastic supporter of our appreciation for traditionally produced European wines. He brings with him a valuable combination of technical know-how and respect for tradition.Bruce's experiences over the past two decades working with Kermit Lynch Imports and a group of more than 100 French vintners have been important in shaping the style of our wines. Most of these producers farm organically, make their wines naturally without use of cultured yeast or laboratory designed winemaking aids, and are comfortable bottling their wines without either fining or filtration. We have long admired their wines, and eagerly adopted many of their natural winemaking practices.In 1999, we purchased and renovated a winery on Sage Canyon Road in the hills outside of Rutherford in the Napa Valley. We produced our first vintage in this state of the art facility in 2000. In 2002, Wine and Spirits Magazine named Neyers Vineyards the Artisan Winery of the Year.