FROM THE WIRES…
Founded in 1992 by Bob and Renée Stein, Notre Vue Estate produces Notre Vue and Balverne wines from its estate vineyards. Encompassing both the Chalk Hill and Russian River appellations, the estate consists of 710 acres; 250 acres are planted to 18 varietals and 350 acres are preserved as “Forever Wild.” Winemaker Alex Holman is a native San Franciscan who is deeply familiar with all of Sonoma County’s AVAs and sub-AVAs. More about him.
The winery was hit hard by a fire at the winery building in 2019 and the impact of the Glass Fire in 2020. Alex and his team are delighted to now be releasing wines from the 2021 vintage. They would be:
2021 Chardonnay (SRP $35): 100% Chardonnay, 252 cases produced, Russian River AVA
2021 Pinot Noir ($45): 100% Pinot Noir, 388 cases, Russian River AVA
2019 Cabernet Sauvignon ($48): 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, 9% Malbec, 3% Cabernet Franc, 504 cases, Chalk Hill AVA
The other Balverne wines are Sauvignon Blanc, Rose of Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Malbec.
The winery welcomes visitors by appointment and offers an assortment of outdoor tastings in its outdoor venues, the Lakeside Pavilions and Block 23 Terrace, which look out over the estate’s lake, its rolling hillside vineyards and in the distance, its Forever Wild land preserve.
Sample