Beautiful Notre Vue Estate & Winery, founded in 1992 by Bob and Renée Stein, is located in Windsor, California in Sonoma County. Consisting of 710 acres of which 250 acres are planted to 18 varietals and 350 acres are preserved as “Forever Wild,” the stunning estate encompasses the Chalk Hill and Russian River appellations. Wines produced under the Notre Vue label are offered mainly in their tasting salons and selected restaurants. Their Balverne label, however, includes includes Estate grown, bottled and produced Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Rose of Pinot Noir, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec.
To date, I have enjoyed and written about Balverne Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the 2021 vintage, and Cabernet from the 2019 vintage. Most recently, I was sent four more wines (as samples) for sipping and sharing.
Balverne Wines Have a Storied History
In the 1980s, Balverne wines were poured numerous times at the White House and were included in the wine lists at the famous Brown Derby Restaurant and Spago in Los Angeles and Sparks Steakhouse in New York. Owners of Notre Vue honored Balverne’s history by resurrecting the brand in 2012. Its 30 year anniversary was celebrated in 2022 under the current ownership with
Renée Brown-Stein at the helm and Molly Lippet as Winemaker. Since 1969, grapes have been cultivated on the property and commercially since 1907. Now, besides producing a plethora of wines under the Notre Vue and Balverne labels, grapes are sold to premium wineries in Sonoma County and Napa Valley and included in some of the most lauded wines.
Forever Wild Woodlands is a Balance Between Vineyard and Nature
One of the many “ah-ha!” moments come when visiting the property’s 350 acres of oak woodlands, protected as Forever Wild space, exuding natural beauty. There, red-tailed hawks fly free, and a diverse and unique group of plants and wildlife are found. Valley Oaks, Coast Live Oaks, Blue Oaks and Oregon Oak trees are abundant as are California poppies, lupins, and lilies that bloom in the spring. For more about this special spot, click HERE.
Four Wines from the Balverne Label of Notre Vue Estate & Winery
Indulge a bit and stroll with me through the serene Forever Wild acreage with one of these glasses in hand (and others waiting on the table).
Balverne 2022 Forever Wild Chardonnay (Russian River Valley) ($35) offered aromas of light citrus, spritz of lemon, white flowers, and juicy peaches just picked from the tree. The ripe, intense palate suggested herbs, spice, honey, buttercream, vanilla, and stone fruit. Full bodied with crisp acidity, the mouthwatering wine was aged in 100% French oak with 20% new barrels. Enjoy with fresh fruit, cheeses, and a lazy afternoon.
Just lovely with a simple dinner of ham, vegetables, salad, and crusty bread was Balverne 2022 Forever Wild Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) ($45). Expressive aromas of red fruit, baking spice, raspberries, strawberries, hints of cinnamon, earth, and dash of black pepper led to savory flavors of rich red fruit, cherry cola, herbs, and spice. Balanced with soft tannins and moderate acidity, this versatile wine will complement an array of favorite dishes.
Zinfandel took center state with award-winning Balverne 2021 Forever Wild Zinfandel (Russian River Valley) ($30). All Zin lovers (and others!) will appreciate its aromas of rich, dark plums, exotic spice, black cherries, and chocolate. With plenty of body and elegance from start to finish, the palate burst with spice, red berry compote, cranberries, and roasted nuts, all lifted with bright acidity and moderate tannic structure.
Balverne 2021 Forever Wild Cabernet Sauvignon (Chalk Hill) ($49), cultivated on rocky, volcanic soil, was beautifully fragrant. Notes of rich red fruit, chalk, cherries, flint, and dark plums wafted from the glass. More of the same notes were present on the palate and enchanced with chocolate shavings, purple flowers, and minerality. Bold tannins and racy acidity helped frame this luscious wine. Another sip, please!
If you have not explored Balverne Wines, it’s time!
Cheers! ~ Cindy
