The 2005 Merlot Neyers Ranch (80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc) exhibits aromas and flavors of red currants, cranberries, mocha, and herbs in its medium-bodied, zesty, French-like profile. Consume it during its first 5-7 years of life. It was good to see longtime wine enthusiast, national sales rep for Kermit Lynch Importers, vineyard owner, and wine producer, Bruce Neyers, who has one of the most important palates on the West Coast. Neyers, who utilizes the services of Ehren Jordan of Turley Wine Cellars as his winemaker, has consistently turned out beautiful Chardonnays as well as fine Merlots, Zinfandels, and Syrahs. 2005 appears to be a fabulous vintage for Chardonnay as most exhibit intense aromatics, super purity of fruit, and surprising freshness for wines of such density and power.Tel. (707) 963-9940; Fax (707) 963-8894