Notre Vue Estate & Winery sits on a 710-acre property south of Healdsburg straddling Sonoma’s Russian River Valley and Chalk Hill AVAs. 250 acres of vineyards cover the rolling hills, but 350 acres are protected as “Forever Wild” open space. Balverne is a sister label to Notre Vue and both are sourced exclusively from Notre Vue vineyards. We received these wines (and estate olive oil!) as tasting samples.
The Balverne label was originally established as Balverne Cellars on the same property in the 1970s by prior owners and was even served in the White House. In 1992 Bob and Renee Stein bought the property, which had first been planted to vines in 1869 and used to make commercial wines beginning in 1907. In 2012 the Steins reintroduced the Balverne label to honor its history.
The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance-certified vineyards (formerly known as Windsor Oaks Vineyard) are planted to 16 grape varieties. Grapes from the Notre Vue vineyard are also sold to numerous wineries. This bucolic location has been struck by fire twice and sadly in February 2021 Bob Stein passed away, but Renee has continued the couple’s commitment to sustainability and quality winemaking. Alex Holman is the winemaker.
2021 Balverne Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County — medium yellow with abundant aromas of stone fruit, ripe citrus and spice. Flavors include stone fruit and gravelly minerality with toasty notes in the background and a citrus pith finish. Nice acidity and a round mouthfeel. 14.2% abv. 252 cases made. SRP $35
100% Chardonnay, sourced from Block 10, Clone 17, was harvested in four separate lots, at different ripeness over a two-week period. The Chardonnay fermented using non-saccharomyces yeast as a sulfite alternative and then with natural yeasts, in barrels with stirring through primary and malolactic fermentation for five months. Aged in 20% new French oak.
2021 Balverne Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County — translucent ruby with aromas of dark cherries, raspberries, berry bramble, earth and hints of vanilla. Flavors include raspberries and blackberries with earthy, berry bramble and hints of vanilla with good acidity. Tannins are smooth in a barely medium body. 14% abv. 388 cases made. SRP $45
100% Pinot Noir (Clones 667, 459, 114, 115) was fermented in several lots, harvested at different Brix, using non-saccharomyces yeast as a sulfite alternative and then with natural yeasts. Fermentation took place in open-top fermenters using rack-and-return and gravity-fed pump overs for gentle extraction. Aging took place in 25% new French oak.
2019 Balverne Cabernet Sauvignon, Chalk Hill, Sonoma County — dark ruby with aromas of ripe plums, blackberries, boysenberries and dried tomato leaf. Flavors include earthy blackberries, plums, dried herbs, tobacco and leather with cedar in the background supported by juicy acidity. Tannins are grippy and very drying in a medium body. 14.3% abv. 504 cases made. SRP $48
A blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, 9% Malbec, 3% Cabernet Franc is sourced from blocks at the highest elevations of the Notre Vue vineyards where the soils are rocky and temperatures are moderated by cooling, afternoon breezes.
The 2019 vintage was impacted by the Kincade fire and evacuation. In the words of winemaker Alex Holman:
This Cabernet Sauvignon was one of the last blocks picked prior to the Kincade fire and evacuation. This wine survived that tragic event mostly due to the non-saccharomyces yeast I use during cold soak for sulfite reduction therapy. We never lost power due to portable generators so the wine received an unplanned extended cold soak. The yeast did its job uninterrupted and kept all soilage bacteria and yeast suppressed until we were able to come back and resume normal pump-over protocols.
Also part of the Balverne range of wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé of Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Malbec. Red-Tailed Hawks, sketched on the Balverne labels, are frequently seen overhead on the Notre Vue estate. The wild space is home to many bird species as well as deer, coyote, foxes, bobcats and other critters.
Notre Vue Extra Virgin Olive Oil — clear golden-green color. The olive flavors are very fresh and fruity with a delicious peppery finish. 250 ml.
What a treat to taste estate olive oil. The freshness of the flavors make this olive oil perfect for salads or garnishing homemade hummus. And it’s delicious on popcorn as a healthy, flavorful change from butter. Notre Vue’s estate olive grove includes three types of olive trees that are blended to create the estate’s cold pressed olive oil.
A variety of tasting experiences at Notre Vue incorporate vineyard and wild space views. You will find all the details on the winery website.
Cheers!
