One of the outstanding producers in the Willamette Valley, Stoller dates back to 1993 when Bill Stoller acquired a family property from his cousin. Immediately Stoller saw potential to grow world class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Two years after the acquisition he planted 10 acres each of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and fast forward to today the vineyard is now the largest contiguous vineyard in Oregon's Dundee Hills. The property spans 400 acres, with 225 acres focused on growing vines at elevations ranging from 220 to 640 feet. Ten varietals are planted in this vineyard, including Viognier, Pinot Meunier and even Aligote.
Winemaker Melissa Burr has been at Stoller for more than fifteen years, having helped grow production from 1,000 cases to 60,000. Burr crafted some outstanding wines across the board. I love the new 2021 Stoller Rose (OB, 91) which is polished with serious nuance and a beautiful sense of texture. and vibrant with good astringency. I adored the 2019 Stoller ‘Helen’s’ Pinot Noir (OB, 93) which has some brilliant cellaring potential with its sense of texture and finesse. Learn more about this outstanding Oregon winery at https://www.stollerfamilyestate.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Stoller.
2021 Stoller Rose- Made from estate Pinot Noir grapes, this weighs in at only 12.5% alcohol. Once on the nose this takes on layers of delicate red fruits that mingle with stony and earthy undercurrents. The palate is very fresh and vibrant with bright acidity and a soft texture. Shades of wild strawberry and Rainier cherry collide with copious minerals on the palate. Drink 2022-2026- 91
2020 Stoller ‘Estate’ Chardonnay- The 2020 Stoller ‘Estate’ Chardonnay saw twelvemonths in concrete cubes before being transferred to stainless steel tanks before bottling. The wine shows good finesse on the palate, with lemon curd, toasty oak and shades of Japanese pear flavors. With a lingering finish, enjoy this excellent new Chardonnay over the next eight years. Drink 2022-2030- 91
2019 Stoller ‘Helen’s ’ Pinot Noir- Named after Bill Stoller’s aunt, the 2019 ‘Nancy’s’ is primarily Wadenswil clonal selection Pinot Noir which was aged in 18% new French oak prior to bottling in March 2021. Needing an hour in the decanter to be fully awoken, once aroused this takes the lead with beautiful red florals and red cherry with peat moss aromatics that all meld in the glass. The palate is soft and approachable with silky tannins that line a core of bright pomegranate seed and Yakima cherry flavors that collide with blood orange zest and pine needle accents. Highly enjoyable now, this has at least another decade of life ahead of it. Drink 2022-2035- 93
2019 Stoller ‘Nancy’s’ Pinot Noir- Given slightly more new oak (27%) than the ‘Helen’s,’ the really good 2019 ‘Nancy’s’ Pinot Noir also underwent 35% whole cluster fermentation and is primarily Pommard clonal selection. Showing much more of a darker fruit profile than the 2019 ‘Helen’s,’ this unveils black raspberry and black cherry flavors with roasted dates and baking spices. Finishing long, this is glorious wine to consume now following an hour in the decanter. Drink 2022-2035- 93