Value and honesty from Balverne's new Sonoma offerings

Some things never get old. A few random examples for me: watching a hummingbird visit a flower; eating good garlic bread; a hug from a friend or family member; spinning the Ramones’ first three albums. And classic varieties of Sonoma wine. 

Here comes Balverne, from Windsor, Sonoma County, to present some new releases that offer a delightful (albeit rare these days) combination of wines with value and true grit. Notre Vue is the umbrella winery, producing wines under that label and Balverne.

Notre Vue Estate vines. Credit: Jeff Granbery

Balverne Cellars dates back to 1972, and in 1992 Bob Stein and Renée Brown Stein purchased it. It was re-launched as Notre Vue with the first vintage in 2014.

This producer now boasts estates that encompass more than 700 acres. Some 250 acres are planted to grape vines, which includes an impressive 18 different varieties. And about 350 of those acres are preserved as “forever wild” -- an oak forest nature preserve, which looks beautiful and provides critical habit for local wildlife. Well done.  

They offer the classics done right, sourcing grapes from estate vineyards in the Chalk Hill and Russian River Valley appellations, and crafted by winemaker Molly Lippitt.

If you’re looking to try something new-to-you from Sonoma, and don’t want to spend a lot, there’s not an unexciting wine in this lot. I've tasted Notre Vue and Balverne for a few years now, and the consistency is also clear.

These wines were received as samples and tasted sighted. 

2022 Balverne Chardonnay Estate Grown Forever Wild - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
SRP: $35
Light yellow color. Aromatically, we’re talking lush yellow pears, honeydew, tangy green apples, drizzled with lime, and topped in sea salt, floral perfume, hints of hay, and white flowers. Racy acidity kicks off the palate, and the Chard displays a plush texture, balanced nicely. Pure and lively with flavors of yellow apples, key lime pie, and honeydew melon. I get notes of se salt, chalk dust, hay, almond skin, and some honeycomb as well. Lovely depth but so balanced and fresh as well. Great value. (93 points)

2021 Balverne Zinfandel Forever Wild Notre Vue Estate Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
SRP: $30
Light purple color. The nose shows a deep but vibrant mix of plum sauce, roasted figs, tangy red and black cherries, along with notes of violets, roses, tobacco, clay, and white pepper – fresh but savory and complex. On the palate, the first thing that gets me is the zippy acidity, which carries the wine from start to finish. Dusty tannins provide structure for the fruit, which sports tangy raspberry and red cherries with darker notes of plum sauce and roasted figs. Complex non-fruit elements assemble neatly: oregano, warm clay, black tea, potting soil, and graphite. Delightfully complex and juicy and the freshness is clutch. Great for summer grilling or to cellar for a few years as well. Includes 8% Mourvedre, 5% Grenache, 4% Petite Sirah (92 points)

2022 Balverne Pinot Noir Forever Wild - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
SRP: $45

Medium ruby color. Aromas show the freshest red cherries, with strawberries, and red apple, blended well with tones of rose petals, sage, dusty earth, hints of tobacco, rhubarb, and clay. Delightfully fresh on the palate with smooth tannins and a juicy but zippy appeal. Farmstand fresh red cherries and strawberries are woven in nicely with flavors of white pepper, sage, tobacco, rhubarb, and some hints of roasted chestnut and cola. Crisp, full of tangy fruit, and the non-fruit complexities are lovely. (92 points)  

2021 Balverne Cabernet Sauvignon Forever Wild - USA, California, Sonoma County, Chalk Hill
SRP: $48
Deep purple color. A saucy but tangy compote on the nose – dark currants, plums, black cherries, along with earth and fallen leaves, violets and graphite, white pepper and dried violets. A lot going on. Structured nicely with solid grip and fine-edged tannins and (if you’re noticing a pattern here), fresh acidity. Tangy red and black currant fruit, wild blackberries, saucy but vibrant fruit. I love the floral and savory tones, like violets and dried rose potpourri tossed with cloves, white pepper, black tea, and hints of mint and chewing tobacco. Lovely structure, vibrancy, and complexity. Showing great now (although a decant could help) or cellar for a good amount of years and let it unfurl. Includes 8% Petit Verdot, 7% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot (93 points)