Tyler Russell is a California born & raised lover of wine who’s story is unlike most others in the industry.

Ready for a change of pace, a young Mr. Russell traveled east, to Saratoga Springs, NY, where he was introduced to the art of wine. Serving as a wine store clerk, stocking shelves, and silently absorbing all that he heard, his fascination grew. He spent the next couple of years tasting wine, selling wine, talking about wine, asking about wine and all the while developing his palette. Tyler soon became the buyer for the store in Saratoga Springs, and before long, his need for more knowledge outgrew his location.

Tyler relocated back to California to pursue the production side of the industry. He quickly began to make a name for himself working at both Norman Vineyards and Dover Canyon Winery where his quest for more started to evolve into his desire for his own label. Tyler also spent a year at Justin Vineyards where he was able to see production on the large scale. Tyler currently calls Zenaida Cellars his home, but his passion is his own label, Nelle Winery. He named his project “Nelle” after his mother, Mary Nelle. It wasn’t until Tyler attended a family reunion lately that he was informed that it is a name carried through the family for generations and shared by many of his loved ones. It makes an already intimate project so much more personal.

When Tyler is not “questing” in the world of wine, he loves surfing, cooking fantastic meals for his friends and family, and adores spending time with his lovely fiancée Kate in the city of San Luis Obispo.

2006 Syrah: $24.00 SOLD OUT

This vintage offers aromas of dark fruit and plum with a hint of cola. Flavors of dark fruit come through on the pallet accompanied by both dark chocolate and subtle earthy tones. The mild tannin elegantly carries through with a lengthy finish. Enjoy now.