The best way to describe Notre Vue Estate Winery & Vineyards is “Forever Wild.” This term describes the breathtaking view of the 710 acres of vineyards and protected open space in Sonoma County. From the gently rolling hills of the vineyards to the natural beauty of the nature preserve, these views captured the fancy of Renee and Bob Stein in 1992.
The name Notre Vue is apropos because it means our view in French. The views at the winery are one of the most spectacular, giving ambiance to the significance of the estate. The goal, reviving the historic estate while being good stewards of the land. The Stein’s accomplished this aspiration by donating 350 acres to the Sonoma County Open Space Trust. This protected land lies in the middle of the estate. The vineyards surround the protected land. Over the years, the Stein’s found the open space in the center positively impacted the vineyards’ health in a good way. Beneficial ritters moved from the nature preserve into the vineyards, forcing the unbeneficial ones out.
History of Notre Vue Estate
The property’s legacy dates back to 1841 as part of the Rancho Sotoyome land Grant. In 1869 relatives of General Vallejo, who founded Sonoma, grew grapes on the property. By 1916 Antonio Perelli-Minetti, considered the dean of California, established a commercial winery and planted grapes on the property. In 1972, the estate was purchased and replanted under the name Balverne Cellars. Balverne became a well-known winery under winemakers Doug Nalle and John Kongsgaard. In the 1980s, Balverne became nationally known when the wine was poured at the White House on several occasions. At the time, notable restaurants like the Brown Derby in Los Angeles and Sparks Steakhouse in New York also served Balverne Wine.
Bob and Renee Stein purchased the property in 1992. For years they only sold their grapes to many noted wineries in Sonoma and Napa. By 2012 Renee decided if the Notre Vue Estate grapes were good enough for famous wineries, why shouldn’t they produce their own wine? Hence, the Balverne label is resurrected and introduces the Notre Vue Estate label. This move garnered many awards from 2014 through 2017.
In 2019 two fires in Sonoma impacted the winery. The first destroyed the tasting room and warehouse, including 5000 cases and 500 barrels of wine. Shortly after, the effect of the Kincade fire resulted in the loss of 35 acres of vineyards on the estate.
Today Renee Stein continues the legacy of the winery. Geoffrey Thompson is the general manager, and Alex Holman is the winemaker. Meeting Renee, one feels her love and passion for the estate she and her late husband strived to build into the estate as it exists today.
Winemaker Alex Holman
After graduating from Fresno State with a B.S. in chemistry, Alex began working as an analytical chemist. Soon after, he became Director of Research and Development for an agricultural plant in Fresno. He decided to go back to Fresno State to complete the Enology program. His winery career began at Golden State Vintners making Brandy, Port, and Sherry for Christian Brothers. Before joining Notre Vue, Alex made wine for Rack and Riddle, Keller Estate, J. Rickards, Dry Creek Vineyard, and Paul Hobbs. Joining Notre Vue Estate in 2019, Alex creates wines with low intervention.
Notre Vue Estate Vineyards and Grapes
The property straddles the Russian River Valley and Chalk Hills in Sonoma County. The estate is certified sustainable. Today the vineyard consists of 174 acres planted with 16 varieties, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvédre, Sangiovese and Dolcetto.
At Notre Vue, they farm organically and have been certified sustainable since 2014.
Notre Vue Estate Wines – Whites and Rosé
Geoffry Thompson and Renee Stein presented the Notre Vue wines in April at an L.A. Wine Writer Luncheon at A.O.C. Brentwood.
Blanc De Noirs: This is a new wine to the lineup and one of Renee’s favorites. This sparkling wine is light, delivers fresh fruit on the palate, and created using the traditional method.
Rosé of GSM: The term elegance in a glass definitely applies to this Rosé because the wine is lovely, and the bottle is created from a special glass that makes a beautiful keepsake or vase by its design and quality.
As a Rosé of GSM, the varieties are co-fermented. The wine is crisp with citrus, strawberry, and stone fruit flavors. I was pretty impressed with the balance and body of this Rosé, especially because one does not typically think of Rosé having balance.
Balverne Sauvignon Blanc, Chalk Hill: Featured on Notre Vue’s premium label, the Sauvignon Blanc is a bright, crisp, and refreshing rendition of this variety. I found citrus and tropical notes on the palate.
Notre Vue Estate Reds
Notre Vue Estate Red: This wine represents a Bordeaux blend from the Chalk Hill portion of the estate and emphasizes the Malbec variety. This wine reveals the aromas of cedar and dark fruits. On the palate, I found flavors of currants with hints of chocolate accentuated by the dry tannins.
The Notre Vue GSM: Again, from the Chalk Hills portion of the estate, this wine features notes of cherries and black pepper with hints of dried herbs.
Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley: This Pinot Noir displays elegance with flavors of strawberries and hints of black tea.
Balverne Reds
Malbec, Chalk Hill: Think Argentina when you sip this Malbec as the aromas of violets and dark fruits especially come through. The wine is well-balanced and has a nice body.
Cabernet Sauvignon Chalk Hill: Find a full-bodied wine with nice tannins and cherry flavors.
Wine Tasting at Notre Vue Estate
The beauty of the estate really enhances any winetasting. Notre Vue Estate offers several tasting options with exceptional views of the vineyard. Upon visiting the estate with its breathtaking views, you will understand why the Stein’s fell in love with the property and ultimately donated 350 acres for a natural preserve.
Note: Common to the wine industry, this writer received a hosted winetasting luncheon. While it has not influenced this review, the writer believes in full disclosure.
Featured photo courtesy of Jeff Granbery.