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 the 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 on board in 2003 as Stoller’s first dedicated winemaker and is currently the vice president of winemaking.

The Helen’s Pinot Noir was planted in 1997 and is composed of Wadenswil clones sourced from two separate blocks of estate vineyards in the Dundee Hills. The garnet hue of this wine shimmers as a subtle bouquet of garden flowers pushes to the forefront. Wild strawberry compote, framboise, cherry liqueur and dried red plums ooze from within as the wine speaks to you with finesse and harmony. Savory notes with sweet herbs and fruitcake spices are intermixed with finely crushed minerals. There is a seamless balance to this wine complemented with lively acidity. This wine is built on precision, elegance and the terroir of Dundee Hills. It offers immediate pleasure as well as future aging potential. A modest 500 cases are produced.

By W Peter Hoyne