Dec 30, 2022
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Mueller
| Owner(s) | Robert Mueller |
| Web site | www.muellerwine.com |
| Link to this site |
Mueller Winery, founded by Robert Mueller, produces small quantities of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Syrah and Pinot Gris from the Russian River and Sonoma Coast regions of California. Mueller Winery, with its distinctive Dutch hip roof, is on the picturesque Starr Road Winery and Vineyard Trail in Windsor. In April 2013, the Muellers announced they were opening a tasting room in Healdsburg in June, sold their winery facility in Windsor, and will be producing their wines at a larger, modern facility nearby.
The flagship offering is Emily's Cuvee. Other Pinot Noirs include Cuvée X, sourced from a prized block at Saralee's Vineyard, August Recher, and Tempi. The wines are sold on the website and there is some retail distribution.
Robert Mueller is a graduate of UC Davis where he earned a masters degree in Food Science/Enology. After graduation, he worked as a winemaker at Foppiano Winery and Charles Krug Winery, and later at Pirelli-Minetti Winery in Delano, CA. In 1981, he became the Director of Winemaking for Souverain Winery. After three years, he left to establish his own wine consulting business. In 1991, Robert Mueller Cellars was launched with the production of 315 cases of Chardonnay. The first "Emily's Cuvée" Pinot Noir was produced from the 1994 vintage. Initially the winery was located in Healdsburg and ten years later relocated to a facility on Starr Road in Windsor.
Production is about 4,000 cases annually. The winery is run by Robert and his wife Lori. Mueller wines are available in the tasting room, on the website and throughout California and ten additional states.
Articles About Mueller
Mueller Winery: Quintessential RRV Middle Reach (8.46 11/29/2011)
Mueller: Over 20 Years of Excellence in the Russian River Valley (9.33 11/9/2013)
Pinot Briefs (9.25 6/2/2013)
Pinot Shootout Finals Tasting (8.30 1/27/2011)
Small Sips (6.37 8/24/2007)
Small Sips of Pinot (8.1 9/19/2009)
Summa Vineyard (9.9 7/21/2012)
Reviewed Wines
2011 Mueller August Recher Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
15.1% alc., pH
3.60, 138 cases, $48. Produced from clones 667 and 777 planted in Vino Farms
vineyard situated in the Middle Reach of the appellation. Harvest Brix 25.2º.
100% de-stemmed. Aged in 35% new French oak barrels.
·
Medium reddish-purple
color in the glass. The nose opens slowly in the glass to reveal aromas
of ripe Bing cherries, cassis and complimentary oak. Rich and delicious, with
deep cherry flavor and a complimentary oak sheen. Oozing luscious sap, but
still soft, gentle and juicy with a seamless character. The finish is noteworthy for
its palate staining, generous fruit statement. Judged on power with class, this
wine stands out from the crowd.
Score: 93.
Reviewed November 9, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 Mueller Cuvée X Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., pH 3.80, 68 cases, $48. Produced from
a select vineyard block of Martini 15 and most Dijon clones located on Saralee’s Vineyard in the Middle Reach
of the appellation. Normally this wine is crafted solely from the Martini clone, but the source in 2011 suffered
untimely
·
Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Appealing aromas of blackberry jam, black cherry liquor
and dark rose petals. Rich and flavorful, with intense black cherry and dark berry fruits with sous-bois and oak
adding to the cadence. The sappy fruit is nicely balanced by broad shouldered tannins.
Score: 91.
Reviewed November 9, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 Mueller Eastside Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., pH 3.60, 85 cases, $48. Clones 667,
115, 2A planted on Eastside Road in the Middle Reach of the Russian River Valley. Harvest Brix 25º. 100% destemmed,
aged in 34% new French oak barrels.
·
Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Fruity
nose offering aromas of grapes, plums and blueberries. Rich and velvety on the palate with an array of blue
and purple fruits with a hint of dark chocolate and oak. Easy to drink with balanced tannins and a soothing
finish. Pleasant but not memorable.
Score: 88.
Reviewed November 14, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 Mueller Emily’s Cuvée Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., pH 3.60, 412 cases, $48.
Produced from a vineyard farmed by Vino Farms near the banks of the Russian River directly across the river
from Rochioli and Allen Vineyards in the Middle Reach of the appellation. Clones 667, 115, 777 and 2A.
Harvest Brix 25.2º. 100% de-stemmed, indigenous yeast fermentation, aged in 33% new French oak barrels.
·
Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of black cherries, fully ripened strawberries, baking spices
and oak vanillin lead to moderately rich flavors of Bing cherries, cola and spice. Round and polished, gentle
and agreeable, with mild tannins and good underlying acidity, finishing with a burst of cherry. Like the most
popular girl in school: smells wonderful and is very likable.
Score: 90.
Reviewed November 9, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 Mueller Hogan’s Run Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., 78 cases, $48. Named for the
winery’s beloved black Labrador retriever, Hogan, this 6-acre hillside vineyard owned by Susie and Fred
Sedlacek. Inaugural release from this vineyard. Clone 667.
·
Moderately dark reddish-purple hue in the glass.
Very shy nose showing demure aromas of dark cherries and berries. The palate is well ahead of the nose,
strutting a full-bodied, sappy core of very ripe black cherry fruit with a hint of cola and wood spice. The
prodigious fruit is clothed in muscled tannins. Amazing persistence on the long, and I mean long, cherryinfused
finish.
Score: 91.
Reviewed November 9, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 Mueller Tempi Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.7% alc., pH 3.50,
146 cases, $48. Produced from a select vineyard block of Dijon 777 situated on
a well-drained, gravelly site that is part of Vino Farms. The block is located less
than one mile from the Russian River and directly across the river from Rochioli
and Allen vineyards in the Middle Reach of the appellation. Harvest Brix 25.0º.
100% de-stemmed. Aged in 40% new French oak barrels.
·
Medium reddish-purple
hue in the glass. Bright nose featuring aromas of Bing cherries, cola,
balsam and floral perfume. Rich, luscious and full-bodied on the palate, yet soft
and polished, offering flavors of black cherries, black raspberries and black
plum, finishing on a high note with plenty of spiced fruit. The vivid fruit in this
wine elevates it to a higher level.
Score: 92.
Reviewed November 9, 2013
ARTICLE »
2008 Mueller Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., 510 cases, $29
(sold out - 2010 vintage to be released in December 2011). Dijon clones grown
near the banks of the Russian River.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color in
the glass. Bright and fresh in the glass with vibrant aromas of Bing cherries
and baking spice. Discreetly concentrated core of sweet dark cherry fruit with
some mild oak-driven flavors of biscuit and smoke. Leaves a satisfying cherry
memory on the crisp finish. Much better the next day from a previously
opened and re-corked bottle. A cherry jubilee. Very good.
Reviewed November 29, 2011
ARTICLE »
2008 Mueller August Recher Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9%
alc., pH 3.60, 223 cases, $39 (sold out; available as part of the “Pinot
Quartet”). Dijon clones 667 and 777.
·
Medium reddish-purple color in the
glass. Amazingly fragrant with a perfume of cherry essence and
complimentary oak spice. A delicious cherry bombast coats the tongue
accompanied by accents of cola, Asian 5-spice and dark chocolate-covered
cherries. The tannins are very supple and there is enough acidity to
bring the fruit into focus and retain a refreshing tone. Amazingly persistent on
the finish. In the words of sportscaster Keith Jackson...”Whoa, Nellie.”
Reviewed November 29, 2011
ARTICLE »
2008 Mueller Cuvée X Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., pH 3.60, 207 cases, $39. From a
selected vineyard block of Martini 15 clone located at Saralee’s Vineyard on Slusser Road.
·
Moderately light
reddish-purple hue in the glass. Brooding aromas of black cherries and exotic spice. Moderately rich core of
sweet black cherry fruit with undertones of cola and oak vanillin. Seamless, silky and elegant in the mouth with
pillowy tannins. The wine shows a slight tarry note that is presumably from oak and dissipates in the glass
over time. Showing more aromatic interest the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle
indicating the wine needs a year or two in the cellar. Very good.
Reviewed November 29, 2011
ARTICLE »
2008 Mueller Eastside Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., pH 3.60, 217 cases, $39. Dijon
clones 667 and 115 and Wädenswil 2A.
·
Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Reserved aromas
of spiced dark red cherries and berries, woodshed and forest floor. Crisp and juicy, flush with red cherry
flavor that is accented with notes of sandalwood and spice, offering bright acidity, fine-grain tannins and
a seductive elegance. Easy to drink now and like Drew Barrymore - very successful at a young age.
Reviewed November 29, 2011
ARTICLE »
2008 Mueller Tempi Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., pH 3.60, $39. From a select vineyard
block of Dijon 777 clone at a well-drained, gravely site that is part of Vino Farms.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple
color in the glass. Very reserved aromatics offering demure aromas of confected cherries and oak.
Impressive array of very ripe dark red stone fruit and strawberry flavors with a prominent cola presence on the
mid palate, finishing with a slight leafy quality and a rush of fine-grain tannins. Better aromatics the following
day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle showing noticeable spice and more vibrant fruit. Needs
time to integrate the tannins. Good (+).
Reviewed November 29, 2011
ARTICLE »
2008 Mueller Emily’s Cuvée Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., 772 cases, $44. From a vineyard
site farmed by Jim Ledbetter (Vino Farms) one mile from the Russian River and directly across the river from
Rochioli and Allen vineyards in the Middle Reach of the appellation.
·
Moderate reddish-purple color in the
glass. Aromas of black cherries and toasty oak building in intensity in the glass over time. Generous core of
ripe black raspberry and black cherry fruit with a hint of herbs, and a subtle citrus underpinning. Wellmannered
soft tannins create a smooth ride, leading to a moderately intense fruit-driven finish that leaves a
little heat in its wake. Good (+).
Reviewed November 29, 2011
ARTICLE »
2007 Mueller Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
500 cases, $29.
·
Moderate reddish-purple color. Hi-tone
cherries, baking spices and sandalwood on the nose. Nicely spiced dark red fruits that attack the mid palate
and expand through a juicy finish. Beautifully composed with a satiny mouth feel that is very sexy.
Reviewed January 27, 2011
ARTICLE »
2007 Mueller Emily’s Cuvée Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc.,
pH 3.60, 1,125 cases, $44. Sourced primarily from vineyards near the banks
of the Russian River. Both inoculated and indigenous yeast ferments.
·
Hi-tone
nose of flamboyant black cherry fruit with a touch of toasted bread and
barnyard. Fat in the mouth with flavors of black cherries and red plums and an
appealing earthiness. A good grip of acidity balances the full-bodied fruit
nicely. Smoothly textured with plenty of length on the fruit-laden finish.
Definitely worth a look. Sold primarily through a mailing list at www.muellerwine.com.
Reviewed September 19, 2009
ARTICLE »
2003 Mueller Emily’s Cuvee Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., $38.
·
A veritable cherries
jubilee framed by heavy oak. For those with an oak fetish.
Reviewed August 24, 2007
ARTICLE »
1999 Mueller Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.1% alc..
·
Dark reddish-purple color with rim
bricking and sediment in the glass. Aromas of leather, tea and leaf. Moderately rich flavors of blackberries,
black tea and cola with imposing tannins which overwhelm the fading fruit. Past its prime.
Reviewed July 22, 2012
ARTICLE »
2011 Mueller August Recher Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
15.1% alc., pH 3.60, 138 cases, $48. Produced from clones 667 and 777 planted in Vino Farms vineyard situated in the Middle Reach of the appellation. Harvest Brix 25.2º. 100% de-stemmed. Aged in 35% new French oak barrels. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose opens slowly in the glass to reveal aromas of ripe Bing cherries, cassis and complimentary oak. Rich and delicious, with deep cherry flavor and a complimentary oak sheen. Oozing luscious sap, but still soft, gentle and juicy with a seamless character. The finish is noteworthy for its palate staining, generous fruit statement. Judged on power with class, this wine stands out from the crowd. Score: 93. Reviewed November 9, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 Mueller Cuvée X Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., pH 3.80, 68 cases, $48. Produced from a select vineyard block of Martini 15 and most Dijon clones located on Saralee’s Vineyard in the Middle Reach of the appellation. Normally this wine is crafted solely from the Martini clone, but the source in 2011 suffered untimely · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Appealing aromas of blackberry jam, black cherry liquor and dark rose petals. Rich and flavorful, with intense black cherry and dark berry fruits with sous-bois and oak adding to the cadence. The sappy fruit is nicely balanced by broad shouldered tannins. Score: 91. Reviewed November 9, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 Mueller Eastside Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., pH 3.60, 85 cases, $48. Clones 667, 115, 2A planted on Eastside Road in the Middle Reach of the Russian River Valley. Harvest Brix 25º. 100% destemmed, aged in 34% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Fruity nose offering aromas of grapes, plums and blueberries. Rich and velvety on the palate with an array of blue and purple fruits with a hint of dark chocolate and oak. Easy to drink with balanced tannins and a soothing finish. Pleasant but not memorable. Score: 88. Reviewed November 14, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 Mueller Emily’s Cuvée Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., pH 3.60, 412 cases, $48. Produced from a vineyard farmed by Vino Farms near the banks of the Russian River directly across the river from Rochioli and Allen Vineyards in the Middle Reach of the appellation. Clones 667, 115, 777 and 2A. Harvest Brix 25.2º. 100% de-stemmed, indigenous yeast fermentation, aged in 33% new French oak barrels. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of black cherries, fully ripened strawberries, baking spices and oak vanillin lead to moderately rich flavors of Bing cherries, cola and spice. Round and polished, gentle and agreeable, with mild tannins and good underlying acidity, finishing with a burst of cherry. Like the most popular girl in school: smells wonderful and is very likable. Score: 90. Reviewed November 9, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 Mueller Hogan’s Run Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., 78 cases, $48. Named for the winery’s beloved black Labrador retriever, Hogan, this 6-acre hillside vineyard owned by Susie and Fred Sedlacek. Inaugural release from this vineyard. Clone 667. · Moderately dark reddish-purple hue in the glass. Very shy nose showing demure aromas of dark cherries and berries. The palate is well ahead of the nose, strutting a full-bodied, sappy core of very ripe black cherry fruit with a hint of cola and wood spice. The prodigious fruit is clothed in muscled tannins. Amazing persistence on the long, and I mean long, cherryinfused finish. Score: 91. Reviewed November 9, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 Mueller Tempi Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.7% alc., pH 3.50, 146 cases, $48. Produced from a select vineyard block of Dijon 777 situated on a well-drained, gravelly site that is part of Vino Farms. The block is located less than one mile from the Russian River and directly across the river from Rochioli and Allen vineyards in the Middle Reach of the appellation. Harvest Brix 25.0º. 100% de-stemmed. Aged in 40% new French oak barrels. · Medium reddish-purple hue in the glass. Bright nose featuring aromas of Bing cherries, cola, balsam and floral perfume. Rich, luscious and full-bodied on the palate, yet soft and polished, offering flavors of black cherries, black raspberries and black plum, finishing on a high note with plenty of spiced fruit. The vivid fruit in this wine elevates it to a higher level. Score: 92. Reviewed November 9, 2013 ARTICLE »
2008 Mueller Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., 510 cases, $29 (sold out - 2010 vintage to be released in December 2011). Dijon clones grown near the banks of the Russian River. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Bright and fresh in the glass with vibrant aromas of Bing cherries and baking spice. Discreetly concentrated core of sweet dark cherry fruit with some mild oak-driven flavors of biscuit and smoke. Leaves a satisfying cherry memory on the crisp finish. Much better the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. A cherry jubilee. Very good. Reviewed November 29, 2011 ARTICLE »
2008 Mueller August Recher Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., pH 3.60, 223 cases, $39 (sold out; available as part of the “Pinot Quartet”). Dijon clones 667 and 777. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Amazingly fragrant with a perfume of cherry essence and complimentary oak spice. A delicious cherry bombast coats the tongue accompanied by accents of cola, Asian 5-spice and dark chocolate-covered cherries. The tannins are very supple and there is enough acidity to bring the fruit into focus and retain a refreshing tone. Amazingly persistent on the finish. In the words of sportscaster Keith Jackson...”Whoa, Nellie.” Reviewed November 29, 2011 ARTICLE »
2008 Mueller Cuvée X Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., pH 3.60, 207 cases, $39. From a selected vineyard block of Martini 15 clone located at Saralee’s Vineyard on Slusser Road. · Moderately light reddish-purple hue in the glass. Brooding aromas of black cherries and exotic spice. Moderately rich core of sweet black cherry fruit with undertones of cola and oak vanillin. Seamless, silky and elegant in the mouth with pillowy tannins. The wine shows a slight tarry note that is presumably from oak and dissipates in the glass over time. Showing more aromatic interest the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle indicating the wine needs a year or two in the cellar. Very good. Reviewed November 29, 2011 ARTICLE »
2008 Mueller Eastside Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., pH 3.60, 217 cases, $39. Dijon clones 667 and 115 and Wädenswil 2A. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Reserved aromas of spiced dark red cherries and berries, woodshed and forest floor. Crisp and juicy, flush with red cherry flavor that is accented with notes of sandalwood and spice, offering bright acidity, fine-grain tannins and a seductive elegance. Easy to drink now and like Drew Barrymore - very successful at a young age. Reviewed November 29, 2011 ARTICLE »
2008 Mueller Tempi Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., pH 3.60, $39. From a select vineyard block of Dijon 777 clone at a well-drained, gravely site that is part of Vino Farms. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Very reserved aromatics offering demure aromas of confected cherries and oak. Impressive array of very ripe dark red stone fruit and strawberry flavors with a prominent cola presence on the mid palate, finishing with a slight leafy quality and a rush of fine-grain tannins. Better aromatics the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle showing noticeable spice and more vibrant fruit. Needs time to integrate the tannins. Good (+). Reviewed November 29, 2011 ARTICLE »
2008 Mueller Emily’s Cuvée Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., 772 cases, $44. From a vineyard site farmed by Jim Ledbetter (Vino Farms) one mile from the Russian River and directly across the river from Rochioli and Allen vineyards in the Middle Reach of the appellation. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of black cherries and toasty oak building in intensity in the glass over time. Generous core of ripe black raspberry and black cherry fruit with a hint of herbs, and a subtle citrus underpinning. Wellmannered soft tannins create a smooth ride, leading to a moderately intense fruit-driven finish that leaves a little heat in its wake. Good (+). Reviewed November 29, 2011 ARTICLE »
2007 Mueller Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
500 cases, $29. · Moderate reddish-purple color. Hi-tone cherries, baking spices and sandalwood on the nose. Nicely spiced dark red fruits that attack the mid palate and expand through a juicy finish. Beautifully composed with a satiny mouth feel that is very sexy. Reviewed January 27, 2011 ARTICLE »
2007 Mueller Emily’s Cuvée Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., pH 3.60, 1,125 cases, $44. Sourced primarily from vineyards near the banks of the Russian River. Both inoculated and indigenous yeast ferments. · Hi-tone nose of flamboyant black cherry fruit with a touch of toasted bread and barnyard. Fat in the mouth with flavors of black cherries and red plums and an appealing earthiness. A good grip of acidity balances the full-bodied fruit nicely. Smoothly textured with plenty of length on the fruit-laden finish. Definitely worth a look. Sold primarily through a mailing list at www.muellerwine.com. Reviewed September 19, 2009 ARTICLE »
2003 Mueller Emily’s Cuvee Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., $38. · A veritable cherries jubilee framed by heavy oak. For those with an oak fetish. Reviewed August 24, 2007 ARTICLE »
1999 Mueller Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.1% alc.. · Dark reddish-purple color with rim bricking and sediment in the glass. Aromas of leather, tea and leaf. Moderately rich flavors of blackberries, black tea and cola with imposing tannins which overwhelm the fading fruit. Past its prime. Reviewed July 22, 2012 ARTICLE »