Neyers Vineyards may be best known for their critically acclaimed Chardonnays, and the winery produces dry red wines and olive oil as well. The wines are crafted at their winery in St. Helena in California's Napa Valley, but the grapes come from both Napa and Sonoma AVAs. Neyers Vineyards' Chardonnays are accessible, affordable, and food-friendly.
Neyers Vineyards Chardonnays
Over the years, Neyers Vineyards has produced a number of fine Chardonnays of unique character. These Chardonnays offer tremendous value for the price, often garnering critics' scores in the lower 90-point range at a release price of under $50.
Chardonnay 304
Chardonnay 304 is a crisp, clean Chardonnay reminiscent of a Chablis from Burgundy. This is a stainless steel fermented Chardonnay with no oak, so the flavors of the fruit can shine through. In fact, 304 is the steel industry code for food-grade stainless steel in a nod to the Chardonnay's fermentation process. The grapes are grown in the cool weather of the Sonoma Valley AVA (American viticultural area), which results in high acidity and balanced wines with lovely mineral notes. Chardonnay 304 costs under $30 per bottle, and both 2017 and 2016 were excellent vintages, garnering ratings in the 91 to 93 point range from Wine Enthusiast. Enjoy this crisp unoaked Chardonnay chilled with light summer fare such as white fish or a summer salad.
Chardonnay Carneros District
The cool climate of the Carneros AVA produces intense and flavorful grapes that result in intensely flavored wines. Fermentation occurs sur lie (on the lees) in a combination of new and neutral oak to add subtle yet spicy vanilla notes, while malolactic fermentation produces buttery and creamy textures and flavors. The wine costs around $30 per bottle, and critics tend to like it, so it's a great value wine. Wine Spectator rated the 2017 vintage 92 points. Enjoy Chardonnay Carneros with delicious seafoods such as crab or lobster, or have it with poultry or fettuccine alfredo.
Chardonnay El Novillero Vineyard
This single vineyard Chardonnay is the winery's flagship Chardonnay. It's aged in 40% new French oak, which adds butterscotch tones to the wine, and across critics and vintages it receives an aggregate critics' score of 90 points. With a full-bodied texture and toasty flavors, this wine will pair well with heartier and fattier foods, such as pâté, butter sauce, cream sauces, or mushroom risotto. Release price is around $45.
Neyers Vineyards' Red Wines
Neyers also produces an array of well-received and critically acclaimed red wines. The winery's two Cabernet Sauvignon wines, AME and Neyers Ranch, both have received critics' ratings in the 90 to 92 point range and cost around $100 and $65, respectively. Other reds include a Bordeaux style blend called Left Bank Red, a Rhône style blend called Sage Canyon, and red varietals including Grenache, Carignan, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel. These wines all cost around $40 per bottle.
Neyers Wine Club
Neyers has three levels of wine club including a Chardonnay only wine club that allows you to select two, four, or six bottles per shipment. Members also receive discounts on wines, access to small production, limited wines, and free tastings. Sign up on the Neyers website.
Buying Neyers Wines
You can purchase wines currently in stock online or by telephone or fax directly from the Neyers winery. Case discounts are sometimes available. Neyers wines are also widely available at fine wine and liquor stores across the country as well as at online retailers that ship a wide range of brands throughout most of the country. Prices vary by vintage and shipping charges depend on geographic destination, courier and the preferred speed of delivery.
Visiting Neyers Vineyards
Neyers Vineyards is located at 2153 Sage Canyon Road in St. Helena, California. Wine tastings are by appointment only and are 90-minute private tastings. The fee is $35 per person, and you can schedule a tasting by calling (707) 963-8840 or visiting their tasting page.
Taste the Difference
Wine produced through different fermentation techniques and varieties that incorporate several types of grapes have distinct bouquets, tastes and finishes. As you savor the subtle disparities in Neyers' Chardonnays, appreciate the innovation and creativity of modern winemakers. Raise your glass and toast their dedication to constantly improving your wine drinking experience.
