Many of us remember recent Sonoma County fires that negatively impacted residents, businesses and wineries. One winery that was hit hard by not only the 2020 Glass Fire but a 2019 fire at their building structure is Notre Vue Estate located in Windsor, California and founded in 1992 by Bob and Renée Stein. Consisting of 710 acres of which 250 acres are planted to 18 varietals and 350 acres are preserved as “Forever Wild,” the beautiful estate encompasses the Chalk Hill and Russian River appellations. Now, Notre Vue Estate and Balverne, its second label, are offering new releases to fortunate wine lovers. Celebrate!
The Balverne portfolio includes Estate grown, bottled and produced Sauvignon Blanc, Rose of Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Malbec as well as three wines, sent to me as samples, of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Notre Vue’s seasoned winemaker, Alex Holman, has spent his winemaking career at well-known family owned wineries and has worked at every sub-AVA in Sonoma County. He appreciates the “rich, diverse vineyard sources that feature a variety of elevations, exposures, soils and microclimates.” With a degree in Chemistry from CSU Fresno, experience as an analytical chemist with the US Army, Director of Research and Development for an agricultural chemical plant and a second degree in Enology from Fresno State, Holman stated that “the canvas of Notre Vue Estate is one of the most exciting opportunities of my life.” After tasting three wines from Balverne, I found that each wine expresses not only terroir, but Holman’s expertise in allowing each to show its distinct personality and character. For more about Alex Holman, click here.
Photo Credit: Notre Vue Estate – Balverne
Shared with friends and family, Balverne wines tasted received enthusiastic accolades. Approachable and delicious, we agreed that the following wines are those that should always be at-the-ready for anytime sipping!
The 2021 Chardonnay ($35) is from Russian River Valley on a parcel just south of the winery itself. With a southern exposure, the fruit ripens with an array of flavor profiles. Four different lots of Chardonnay at varying levels of ripeness were picked over a two-week period. The wine was aged for 5 months in 100% French oak with 20% new barrels and only 252 cases were produced. Aromas of ripe golden apples, juicy cantaloupe, lemon zest, hint of caramel and minerality burst from the glass. The palate exuded flavors of butterscotch, orchard fruit and hint of spice and mint that led into a lingering finish. Balanced with a round mouthfeel, Chardonnay lovers will be quite pleased.
2021 Pinot Noir ($45) is of fruit grown in the southern half of the Estate in the Russian River Valley with exposure to abundant sunshine and clay soils. Aged for 9 months in 100% French oak barrels that were medium and lightly toasted, the wine was lush and flavorful – only 388 cases were produced. On the nose, I found ripe fruit, dark cherries, juicy raspberries, chocolate, black cherries, baking spice, earth and hint of red apple peel. The palate offered food friendly acidity and soft tannins as the foundation to the fruit forward profile. Just perfect.
Cultivated in sunny vineyards at 1000 feet elevation on the summit of Notre Vue Estate in the Chalk Hill appellation, rocky, volcanic soils that drain quickly help the rich fruit thrive. Further, afternoon temperatures are modified by cool breezes out of the Pacific Ocean and through the Russian River Valley. 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon ($48) is a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, 9% Malbec and 3% Cabernet Franc – only 504 cases were produced of this exceptional, full bodied wine. Aged for 18 months in French oak, intense fruit aromas and flavors were notable. Black cherries, flint, and dark fruit compote on the nose led to like flavors on the palate… with a bonus of dark chocolate notes. Structured with firm tannins, each sip was savored.
Photo Credit: Notre Vue Estate – Balverne
Balverne wines are able to be purchased online through Notre Vue Estate’s website – click here to add a few wines to your collection. And if you find yourself in Sonoma County, visit Notre Vue Estate and indulge in a variety of tasting experiences as you appreciate the views of the lake, hillside vineyards and Forever Wild land preserve.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
For more Grape Experiences and a free infographic “4 Keys to a Stellar Wine Pick” click here.
