2021 Balverne Estate Pinot Noir

Balverne winery has made a commitment to create wines of quality and character while also being committed to the stewardship of the environment.

Bob and Renee Stein purchased the 710-acre Russian River Valley estate that included a working vineyard in 1992. With help from their vineyard and property manager, Doug Lumgair, the Steins recreated their sustainable vision for what would eventually become the Notre Vue (Our View) Estate. The team worked with determination to weave together the rugged wildlands and agricultural landscape in a way that would allow both to thrive with equal beauty and strength. As part of this effort, the Steins made the decision to protect 350 acres of Forever Wild open space.

For over two decades, the Steins have been selling grapes from the estate to many ultra-premium brands in Sonoma County. Today they are farming 250 acres of vineyard that is Certified Sustainable. Notre Vue’s unique terroir is located entirely within both the Chalk Hill and Russian River Valley appellations in north-eastern Sonoma County. The lower portion of the property lies at approximately 200 feet of elevation and is similar to much of the Russian River Valley, with deep, rich clay-loam soils. This area is often affected by the fog and cool winds that snake their way up through the river valley from the Pacific Ocean. This delicate marine influence affords their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay a long, cool growing season that allows for great flavor development and retention of natural acidity.

As one heads northeast through the vineyard, tracing the boundary of their Forever Wild nature preserve, there is nearly 800 feet of elevation gain. These hillside plantings lie on shallower soils with sedimentary bedrock at about 36 inches. These steep hillsides limit the vines’ access to water, naturally limiting vigor and yields, which produces grapes with more intensity and complexity. The higher elevation also allows for more sunlight and warmer mornings than the valley floor. These conditions create an ideal environment for growing their later ripening Bordeaux varieties.

Made up of three different clones from the estate, the Balverne Pinot Noir is made from grapes grown in the southern half of the estate located in the Russian River Valley appellation. The grapes experience clear sun exposure and grow in clay soils.

After the harvest, fermentation was in four-ton open-top fermenters using non-saccharomyces yeast (as a substitute for sulfites) during a five-day cold soak. The tanks were then warmed naturally and fermentation continued between 65 degrees and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. The wine is aged in 100% French, medium and light toasted oak barrels for 9 months.

The result is a fruity and refreshing wine, perfect for backyard barbecues, picnics with friends, and casual conversations on the back patio. The wine has a nose of bright red fruits, baking spice, and damp earth. The palate gives ripe cherries and strawberries with a hint of pomegranate syrup and herbal notes.

Jim Gordon of Wine Enthusiast awarded this wine 91 points, saying, “This lively, grippy, acid-driven wine has a nervy texture that stretches out cranberries, red and sour cherries in a way that will waken the taste buds of any wine drinker. Loving its refreshment and palate-cleansing qualities.”

Pair this wine with salmon, roast pork, Thanksgiving turkey, or enjoy it on its own.