Highlighting a wonderful boutique winery in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, Stag Hollow was founded by Mark Huff and Jill Zarnowitz. I have long been an admirer of these great wines, sourced from their estate vineyard. These are truly some great people in Oregon wine. Mark Huff serves as winemaker and vineyard manager, while Jill takes care of the rest of the winery. The 34 acre vineyard is planted on a steep, southwest facing slope. There are currently, nine clones (cultivars) of Pinot Noir planted as well as Chardonnay, Muscat Ottonel, Early Muscat, and Dolcetto. I have had many older wines by Stag Hollow, including an epic 2002 ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir and have found their wines to be incredible age-worthy. Winemaker Mark Huff originally started as a home brewer and then was drawn to making wine. In the mid-1980s Mark began bringing in grapes from California and was experimenting with making wines from his home. After some time Mark and his partner, Jill Zarnowitz, purchased the property next to Wahle Vineyard, and began planting their vineyard in 1990, releasing their first commercial wine from the 1994 vintage.
Their 2014 Stag Hollow Dolcetto (WWB, 91) landed on my WWB Top 100 of 2017 and is a downright steal at only $22.00. This wine has incredible depth, terroir and range that is a can’t miss bottling. A killer new release that is also an unusual planting for the AVA is their 2015 Stag Hollow Tempranillo (WWB, 91). This outstanding wine has a wonderful combination of earthy tones and rich dark fruit flavors. One of the great wines that I have tried from the 2014 vintage in Oregon, the 2014 Stag Hollow ‘Reserve 777/114’ Pinot Noir is a limited release wine that is not typically made each year. This great wine has an incredible mouthfeel and maintains wonderful elegance and intensity, beautifully reflecting this warm, near-perfect vintage in Oregon. Learn more about this great historic Oregon winery at https://www.staghollow.com/ Here are the outstanding new wines by Stag Hollow.
Great looking label on all Stag Hollow wines.
2015 Stag Hollow Tempranillo- A mere 93 cases of this warm vintage wine were produced. This begins with earthy aromatics of damp soil, cigar shavings and blackberry. The mouthfeel is seductive, as the wine reveals dark and red fruit flavors with good minerality. Tannic and delicious, this one of a kind wine is seriously awesome. Drink 2018-2026- 91
2014 Stag Hollow ‘Yamhill-Carlton’ Pinot Noir- The 2014 ‘Yamhill-Carlton’ Pinot Noir by Stag Hollow begins with aromas of bllack tea, forest floor and peat moss. The mouthfeel is gorgeous, as the silky wine glides across the mid-palate. Blackberry cobbler, forest floor and black cherry preserve flavors impress. Hedonistic, yet elegant, this is an outstanding effort by the talented hands of Mark Huff. Drink 2018-2026- 91
2014 Stag Hollow Dolcetto- The 2014 Stag Hollow Dolcetto is another gorgeous release from this longstanding Oregon estate. This rarely found Italian varietal opens with aromatics of red currant, red cherry, sweet tobacco and nutmeg. There are flavors of red cherry, red raspberry, cram-orange, teaberry and suggestions of white pepper. This shows impressive range and rich red fruits, while maintaining a strong mineral backbone. Overall this is a lovely example of the varietal outside of Italy. Drink 2018-2028- 91
2014 Stag Hollow ‘Reserve 777/114’ Pinot Noir- The 'Reserve 777/114' Pinot Noir is only made in years where the winemaker finds exceptional elegance. The resultant wine begins with aromas of candied red cherry, red raspberry, teaberry, cigar box, orange blossom and forest floor as the wine shows considerable range. The mouthfeel of this feminine style wine is absolutely gorgeous. There is a seamless quality to this wine that is rarely found. Like the other 2014 'Reserve' bottling, this has the structure and elegance to cellar for over a decade. Drink 2018-2030- 94
2014 Stag Hollow ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir- The 2014 Reserve Pinot Noir is a blend of 8 different clones. This displays a slightly orange hued color and begins with gorgeous aromatics of red cherries, black truffle, white pepper, orange rind and suggestions of pipe tobacco. The earthy elements of this hot vintage wine are evident before folding in flavors of red fruits, orange zest and forest floor which carry on through the lingering finish. This gorgeous wine has just started its journey, but should cellar well past 10 years. Drink 2017-2029- 92
2014 Stag Hollow ‘Vendage Selection’ Pinot Noir- The 2014 'Vendange Selection' Pinot Noir by Stag Hollow is a blend of Pommard and Colmar 538 clones. This wine begins with bright aromatics of forest floor, black truffle oil, black cherry, wild blackberry and suggestions of cranberry. On the palate the flavors of dark fruits, black truffle, orange rind, guava puree and slight hints of cola beautifully weave together as this wine has considerable range. The minerality, light tannins and mid-palate weight suggests this is another age-worthy wine from this exceptional producer of Pinot Noir. Only 93 cases made. Drink 2018-2030- 93