Navillus Birney – 84
Sunday, May 29th, 2005
If you like word games, than Navillus Birney has a great one for you to play with. Write the world Navillus on a piece of paper and hold it up in a mirror. Yep, Navillus is actually Sullivan in reverse. It seems that when Rick Sullivan and Jonelle Birney Sullivan started their winery back in 1998, they understandably wanted to put their name on their label. And they did so for several years, while their wines gained in fame and following. Little did they know that another Sullivan Vineyards, having made wine out of Napa for twenty-some years, would add a level of confusion between the two… They did the next best thing by keeping their name but reversing the letters.
While their actual wine-making facility is adjacent to their home on Sonoma Mountain Road, the Sullivans have made the heart of Glen Ellen in Sonoma home for their tasting room. They purchased the historic "Mercantile" building which was built in 1920 and the room is lovingly decorated with amazing displays of local historic celebrities, most notably, M.F.K. Fisher (whose own house was a mere two blocks away).
While only presenting two varietals (Chardonnay and Pinot Noir),
Navillus Birney has something special going for them; Rolando Herrera
as winemaker. I have written about Herrera in other blog entries as
well as other published articles and he is a winemaker whom I am
keeping an eye on for both future and present greatness. Out-of-the way and definitely charming, Navillus Birney makes a perfect lunchtime stop as they are in a neighborhood of some exceptional hidden restaurants including The Fig Cafe and Glen Ellen Inn Restaurant.
2003 Sonoma Mt. Chardonnay - 100% malo shows classic kiwi, lemon, and grapefruit notes. Clear in its bright yellow color, a fruit-forward mouth entry has a tangy, bright finish. $30.00
2003 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay – 100% malo. Yellow in color that is almost fluorescent, effusive citrus in nose and flavor that blossoms to show lime and a finish of lemon peel. $30.00
2002 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir – Light garnet and slightly cloudy with orange tint on the edge. Initial aromas of earthy brett, dark herbs, and mushrooms with pale, cherry fruit. A slightly effervescent entry subsides to display anise in the mid-palate and perfumey finish of dried roses. $28.00
2002 Sonoma Mt. Pinot Noir, Katherine Vineyard – Ruby color throughout produces an earthy raspberry aroma with a tease of smoke. The entry is at first dusty with cocoa and clove spice, and brightens to show a heather floral finish. $34.00
Navillus Birney Winery & Vineyards ~ 13647 Arnold Drive ~ Glen Ellen ~ CA ~ 95442 ~ 707-933-8514