As for the Bordeaux varietals, the 2008 Merlot Neyers Ranch is a lean, tough-textured, tart, unimpressive effort. Quietly and confidently, Bruce Neyers, the national sales representative for Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, has built his Conn Valley winery into a facility producing over 12,000 cases of wine.Tel. (707) 963-8840; Fax (707) 963-8894

From the 45-acre Neyers Ranch vineyard, the Merlot offering generally includes 15-20% Cabernet Sauvignon as well as a touch of Cabernet Franc. The deep ruby/purple-hued 2007 Merlot Neyers Ranch exhibits a sumptuous bouquet of espresso roast, white chocolate, black cherries, and mocha, sweet tannin, good acidity, and plenty of character and depth (especially for a Merlot). It should drink well young, and last for a decade or more. This is a reliably strong portfolio from Bruce Neyers, the national sales representative for Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant. His winemaker is Turley Cellar’s highly renowned Ehren Jordan.Phone: 707-963-8840; Fax: 707-963-8894