1981 Balverne Cabernet Sauvignon

Balverne, just south of Healdsburg, was in the 19th century a part of the historic Rancho Sotoyome. Vineyards were planted by a later owner and after several changes in ownership, the estate was in 1972 named Balverne. In the 1970s and the 1980s the Balverne brand was well known and much admired, and served at the White House, among other places. In 1992 Bob Stein bought the property and managed it as a commercial vineyard. In 2005 Stein started producing wine again, first under the label Windsor Oaks and in 2012 switching the name back to Balverne. Balverne makes Russian River Valley Chardonnay, rosé, and Pinot Noir, as well as Chalk Hill Cabernet Sauvignon.

One of the most widely grown grape varieties, it can be found in nearly every wine growing region. A cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a hardy vine that produces a full-bodied wine with high tannins and great aging potential.