Today we share some of the outstanding houses of the Willamette Valley, both owned by Stoller. Earlier in the year I had the chance to interview Oregon wine icon, Bill Stoller who chatted about his illustrious history in wine. 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.
The new wines were awesome and Chehalem winemaker Katie Santora has created another outstanding entry level Pinot Noir. I really enjoyed the 2023 Chehalem ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir (OB, 91) which has good depth and flavor range at a great price under 40 bucks. Learn more about this outstanding Oregon winery at https://www.stollerfamilyestate.com and chehalemwines.com and here are my reviews of the the beautiful new wines by Stoller and Chehalem.
2023 Stoller ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir- The label spells out ‘bright cherry | raspberry |baking spices’ which for my palate is right on the money alongside citrus rind and damp soil notes on the palate. Highly enjoyable now, savor over the next six plus years. Drink 2024-2030- 91
2023 Chehalem ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir- More earthy and less fruity than the 2023 Stoller WV bottling, the 2023 Chehalem ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir delivers freshly tilled soils and peat moss notes on the palate that take shape alongside a core of tart red fruits. Really we—done and nuanced, enjoy over the next six to eight years. Drink 2024-2032- 91