Captivating Wines and Mesmerizing Views at Notre Vue Estate Winery & Vineyards
Perched within the Chalk Hill and Russian River Valley AVAs in California's Sonoma County is the spellbinding 710-acre domain of Notre Vue Estate Winery and Vineyards. Founders/Owners Bob and Renée Stein established Notre Vue in 1992. The 710 acre estate encompasses 350 acres of protected open space land, majestic oak and cypress trees dotting the hillsides, and 250 acres planted to wine grapes including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Petite Sirah. Their estate vineyards, which are spread across diverse micro-climates, are sustainably farmed.
Talented winemakerAlex Holman has had his hands in the soil of every AVA within Sonoma County,and believe me, Alex knows his craft. His minimal intervention styleresults in wines of remarkable aromatics, precision, and character. Atasting of his recently released wines gives credence to what thisunpretentious, down-to-earth winemaker accomplished during his first vintagecrafting wines under the Notre Vue and Balverne labels.
Alex combines hisknowledge gained through his winemaking stints across Sonoma County, a B.S.degree in chemistry followed by viticultural program studies at CaliforniaState University Fresno (under the tutelage of renowned Dr. Barry Gump), andhis straight-forward, “clean, native fermentation“ approach to winemaking. Here is a snapshot of impressive wines crafted by Alex:
Balverne 2019Sauvignon Blanc($27), Chalk Hill: Opening with fragrantaromas of fresh summer grasses, this energizing Sauv Blanc is bright and livelywith pristine balance and a silky texture. Thirst-quenching flavors of honeydew melon, lemongrass, and vine-ripenedkiwi invigorate the palate, and lead to a lingering finish.
Notre Vue 2019 GSM Rosé ($29), Chalk Hill: This zesty rendition of dry rosé composed of equal parts Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre is extraordinary. A fireworks-like display of flavors burst in the mouth! Layers of Opal plums, red raspberries, a trace of anise, orange zest, and ground nutmeg intertwine, and the finish is mouthwateringly delicious.
Balverne 2019 Rosé of Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, CA: A shimmering pale pink hue and floral, fresh berry aromas welcome you into the glass. There you will find a delicate, well-balanced dry Rosé with dynamic flavors of strawberries, Rainier cherries, and an underlying wave of spice. A graceful and thirst-quenching afternoon sipper.
Notre Vue 2019 Chardonnay Musqué ($36) Russian River Valley: Here is a distinctive Chardonnay (made from Chardonnay Musqué clone 809) that leads off with an enticing nose of pear sorbet and citrus blossom. Flavors of green apple, lime zest, and subtle spice entwine. Stirring of the lees (bâtonnage) in neutral French oak barrels gives the wine a creamy texture and added complexity through the memorable finish.
Balverne 2018 Reserve Pinot Noir ($45), Russian River Valley: Gorgeous red and black fruit aromatics make way for layers of black cherry, fresh strawberry, a touch of earth, black raspberry, underlying oak, and exotic spices. Beautiful depth and purity of fruit all the way through. Satin smooth and elegant with perfect balancing acidity, and a finish that persists long after the last sip.
2017 NotreVue Proprietor’s Red Blend ($59), Sonoma County: Cab Sauvand Bordeaux blend wine lovers take note! Here is a rich, deeply flavored wine craftedof 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Petit Verdot and 5% Malbec. Hintsof violets on the nose lead to well-defined flavors of black currants, tobacco,Black Beauty plums, Herbes de Provence, and a touch of mocha melding inharmony. Well-structured and intensethrough the long-lasting finish.
To schedule an appointment to taste the well-crafted wines on one of their Lakeside Pavilions or Block 23 Terrace, absorb the beauty and serenity of the stunning views, and explore their Wine Club Membership and shipping options, visit www.notrevueestate.com, or give them a call at 707 433-4050. Wines can also be ordered online for curbside pickup, or curbside delivery for locals; enjoy!
