2007 was a HUGE challenge for vineyards in Oregon and sent many winemakers into a panic. Oregon weather was somewhat off-beat and then the cold and rain came a month early. Throw in some rumors from the media about early harvests and a bad vintage and Whoa, Stop the Presses! This was the year of the winemaker-a true testament of their precision and expertise. But were they up to the challenge to ripen a very fragile, difficult-to-grow grape?

One winery certainly was-Stoller Vineyards.

While almost half of the other Oregon vineyards harvested early (producing highly acidic green wines), Bill Stoller decided to fight for this vintage and wait. Proving to be their most expensive year, they pruned their vines daily, canopied them against the sun and hand-sorted every single grape. And to further ensure success of this vintage, they harvested late in September and altered their aging process: 10 months in oak and then 24 months in the bottle.

And the results you might ask? Aromas of strawberries, cherries and toast. Thick concentrated fruit, sturdy and oaky with sweet spice, complexity, slight smoke and cinnamon. Hmmm…

Cory Davis from Stoller visited Vine & Table a few weeks ago, and he was so proud of his team and their efforts with this vintage. Having tried alot of 2007 Pinot Noirs, the Stoller Pinot Noir 2007 is by far the best.

They completed this challenge and passed with flying colors. I am still amazed by the beauty of this silky, well-structured wine. – Bethann