A Life in Balance

The Mueller brand was founded in Healdsburg in 1991, and Bob’s vision was to make small lots of premium chardonnay and pinot noir. As winemaker, Bob searched out specific vineyards in the Russian River Appellation. With his extensive knowledge of chemistry and biology he knew that the cold climate and the terroir of the Russian River Valley were the perfect growing grounds for pinot noir and chardonnay.

The first releases, 1991 Mueller Chardonnay and 1994 Mueller Pinot Noir, Emily’s Cuvée, were very well received by consumers, trade and the press. Bob spent much of his time walking the vineyards, evaluating smaller microclimates within each vineyard lot, and finding the perfect sites with conditions that enabled him to produce grapes for his growing portfolio of wines. He still spends endless hours tasting, blending and evaluating his wines before creating his master blends, which now include Pinot Noir, Old Vine Zinfandel, Syrah and Chardonnay, all from the Russian River Valley.