Quiet, resolute, and passionate about Pinot Noir, Bill Stoller grew up near Yamhill Valley, Oregon spending his childhood on his family’s turkey farm. He left to pursue a successful career as founder and vice chairman of the employment staffing firm Express Employment Professionals (EEP) and CEO and founder of Xenium. Realizing the unique potential of Oregon’s land, he returned to his roots in 1993 as co-owner of famed Chehalem Winery and later became the sole owner in 2018. Stoller Family Estate rests at an elevation of 220 - 600 feet with 225 acres under vine. Melissa Burr came onboard in 2003 as Stoller’s first dedicated winemaker and is currently the vice-president of winemaking.

This is the current release of Stoller's estate white Pinot Noir. I was somewhat curious initially, but my confidence in the winemaking talents at Stoller was confirmed with this brilliant effort. On entry, the juicy white and yellow stone fruits revealed a vibrant core of freshness and energy. After a little time, you delve into the depths of this wine and discover there is even more complexity to savor. Fuji apple, lemongrass, orange zest and finely crushed minerals leap from the glass offering pure pleasure. This youthful wine continues to transform after opening and you will quickly notice that you have consumed the entire bottle. Congrats to winemaker Melissa Burr and the team at Stoller.

By W Peter Hoyne