Dec 30, 2022
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Ghost Hill Cellars
| Owner(s) | Bayliss Family, Bower Family |
| Web site | www.ghosthillcellars.com |
| Link to this site |
Ghost Hill Cellars is an Oregon winery focused on Pinot Noir. For over 100 years, the family owners have farmed 230 acres on Savannah Ridge in what is now Oregon's Yamhill-Carlton AVA. In 1999, 15 acres of Pinot Noir was planted in the Bayliss-Bower Vineyard, and the first wine was released in 2006. The winery produces wines from estate fruit exclusively including a Pinot Noir Rosé, a Pinot Noir Blanc and an estate and an estate Proprietor's Reserve Pinot Noir.
The legend of Ghost Hill dates back to the late 1800's when a miner took a respite on the property after prospecting and was slain during the night for his gold. His searching spirit inspired the winery's name.
The winemaker since 2015 is noted Oregon veteran Eric Hammacher.
The tasting room is open Saturday and Sunday and Friday by appointment.
The winery was chosen to participate in the 2012 International Pinot Noir Celebration.
Articles About Ghost Hill Cellars
Adventures on the Pinot Trail: World of Pinot Noir: The Tastings (9.39 3/29/2014)
Ghost Hill Cellars (9.42 5/25/2014)
Pinot Noir Blanc: Pure Juice (9.11 9/11/2012)
Recently Tasted Oregon Pinot Noir (10.20 11/5/2015)
Recently Tasted Oregon Pinot Noir (10.33 7/6/2016)
Sips of Recently Tasted Oregon Pinot Noir (11.3 5/6/2017)
Reviewed Wines
2014 Ghost Hill Cellars Bayliss-Bower Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton Oregon Pinot Noir Blanc
13.5% alc., pH 3.49, 590 cases, $25, screwcap. Whole cluster pressed and settled in stainless tank.
The juice was racked off heavy sediment and fermented in a second stainless tank to dryness. The
wine was aged in stainless on the lees with frequent stirring.
·
Light pink color in the glass. Elevating
aromas of strawberry, white peach and watermelon lead to a bright and vibrant wine that is light on
its feet, featuring flavors that echo the nose. An outstanding example of this Pinot Noir curiosity and
one of Oregon’s best examples. Serve chilled as a superb accompaniment to summer barbecues.
Score: 90.
Reviewed July 9, 2016
ARTICLE »
2014 Ghost Hill Cellars Bayliss-Bower Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton Oregon Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.39,
520 cases, $42. Released May 1, 2017. A blend of 45% Pommard, 20% Dijon 777, 20% Dijon 114 and 15%
Wädenswil. Aged in French oak barrels, 10% new.
·
Light ruby red color in the glass. Highly fragrant aromas of
red cherry, red cherry hard candy, honeysuckle, earthy flora and sweet oak. Light to mid weight in style, with
delicate, but flavorful tastes of red cherry, raspberry and spice. A genteel wine with admirable balance and a
lip-smacking finish.
Score: 90.
Reviewed May 7, 2017
ARTICLE »
2014 Ghost Hill Cellars Bayliss-Bower Vineyard Prospector’s Reserve Yamhill-Carlton Oregon Pinot
13.5% alc., pH 3.42, $55. Released May 1, 2017. A blend of six barrels that created a more masculine
and intense reflection of the site and vintage. Wädenswil, Pommard, 777 and 114 clones from the oldest part of
the vineyard.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Conspicuous aromas of cherry and forest floor lead to a
mouthful of black cherry, blueberry and plum flavors that linger in the mouth and on the finish. Fine-grain
tannins back up the fruit that is deftly touched by oak. A polished wine with gratifying balance that will benefit
from a little more time in bottle to ameliorate the tannins.
Score: 93.
Reviewed May 7, 2017
ARTICLE »
2013 Ghost Hill Cellars “Spirit of Pinot Noir” Yamhill-Carlton Rosé
13.0% alc., pH 3.43, 156 cases,
screwcap, $20. 50% saignée and 50% a byproduct of Pinot Noir Blanc pressing. Aged 6 months on lees with
stirring in stainless steel.
·
Modest pink color in the glass. A crisp, lively wine with aromas and flavors of
strawberry, blood orange, orange zest and cranberry. Satisfying, with some fruit dancing on the finish.
Score: 88.
Reviewed June 2, 2014
ARTICLE »
2013 Ghost Hill Cellars Bayliss-Bower Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton Oregon Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.80, 331 cases, $42. A blend of four
clones including Pommard (45%), 777 (20%), 114 (20%) and 15%
Wädenswil. Aged in French oak barrels, 10% new.
·
Light cherry red color
in the glass. I loved the nose which offered waves of cherry, baking spice
and sandalwood aromas. Soft in the mouth and easy to indulge, with mid
weight flavors of cherry, spice and a hint of herbal oak, framed by
balanced, chalky tannins. An impressive offering from the difficult 2013
vintage.
Score: 92.
Reviewed July 9, 2016
ARTICLE »
2012 Ghost Hill Cellars Yamhill Carlton Pinot Noir Blanc
13.5%
alc., pH 3.40, 416 cases, $25, screwcap. Produced since 2010 from
young clone 115 vines. Whole cluster pressed into 100% stainless
steel. Cool fermentation over 5 months on lees until it was filtered 3
days before bottling.
·
Pale rose with a gold cast in the glass. Aromas
of apple and peach are echoed in the flavors with an added touch of
red berry. Boisterous and complex with a lively cut of acidity. Pinot
Noir Blanc always challenges the senses.
Score: 89.
Reviewed June 2, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Ghost Hill Cellars Bayliss-Bower Vineyard Savannah Ridge Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., , pH 3.77, 390 cases, $42. 45% Pommard, 20% 777, 20% 114 and 15% Wädenswil.
Aged in 10% new French oak barrels.
·
Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of cherry,
dried herbs and red hard candy. Light to mid weight array of spiced black cherry and berry fruits with an herbal
vein in the background. The tannins are balanced and there is some finishing intensity.
Score: 89.
Reviewed November 6, 2015
ARTICLE »
2012 Ghost Hill Cellars Prospector’s Reserve Savannah Ridge Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.74, 148
cases, $55. A special selection of barrels intended to create a more
masculine and intense reflection of the site and vintage. A blend of the
four main clones from the oldest part of the Bayliss-Bower Vineyard:
Wädenswil, Pommard, 777 and 114. Aged in 17% new French oak
barrels.
·
Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Exemplary purity of
black cherry fruit on the nose that really soars. A little more sap and
backbone than the regular bottling featuring mid weight flavors of Bing
cherry, red raspberry, cola, and baking spice. Very juicy acidity with
noticeable finishing power and length. Impeccably balanced for age
ability.
Score: 92.
Reviewed November 6, 2015
ARTICLE »
2011 Ghost Hill Cellars Bayliss-Bower Yamhill-Carlton Pinot Noir
13.2% alc., pH 3.69, 300 cases, $42.
Clones 114, Wädenswil, 777, and Pommard. 100% de-stemmed. Aged in 10% new French oak. 2012
International Pinot Noir Celebration Featured Wine.
·
Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Lovely
and spirited nose offering hi-tone aromas of cherry, dried herbs and spice. Middleweight flavors of dark cherry,
sassafras, and savory herbs. Juicy and fresh, with a long, dry finish.
Score: 90.
Reviewed June 2, 2014
ARTICLE »
2011 Ghost Hill Cellars Prospector’s Reserve Yamhill-Carlton Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.64, 100 cases, $55. A 5 barrel
selection of clones 114, 777, Pommard and Wädenswill in about
equal proportions. One new barrel.
·
Moderately light reddish purple
hue in the glass. Very deep and enticing cherry aroma with a rose
petal note. Discreetly concentrated core of cherry and raspberry fruit
supported by fine-grain tannins and balanced acidity. Barrel
management is spot on and the finish is particularly noteworthy for its
persistence.
Score: 92.
Reviewed June 2, 2014
ARTICLE »
2008 Ghost Hill Cellars Bayliss-Bower Yamhill-Carlton Pinot Noir
13.5%, re-release of 14 cases, $62.
100% free-run juice. Rebecca’s first wine at Ghost Hill Cellars. Some held back because the 2009 vintage
was so fruit-forward and released again in May 2014 to Wine Club.
·
Medium reddish purple color in the glass.
Deep black cherry aromas with a swirl of raspberry and a hint of watermelon. Full-bodied and structured with a
core of intensely flavored black cherries and dark raspberries with a touch of spice, herbs and oak. The finish
is generous and lasts over 30 seconds. A special wine with many years ahead.
Score: 92.
Reviewed June 2, 2014
ARTICLE »
2014 Ghost Hill Cellars Bayliss-Bower Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton Oregon Pinot Noir Blanc
13.5% alc., pH 3.49, 590 cases, $25, screwcap. Whole cluster pressed and settled in stainless tank. The juice was racked off heavy sediment and fermented in a second stainless tank to dryness. The wine was aged in stainless on the lees with frequent stirring. · Light pink color in the glass. Elevating aromas of strawberry, white peach and watermelon lead to a bright and vibrant wine that is light on its feet, featuring flavors that echo the nose. An outstanding example of this Pinot Noir curiosity and one of Oregon’s best examples. Serve chilled as a superb accompaniment to summer barbecues. Score: 90. Reviewed July 9, 2016 ARTICLE »
2014 Ghost Hill Cellars Bayliss-Bower Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton Oregon Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.39, 520 cases, $42. Released May 1, 2017. A blend of 45% Pommard, 20% Dijon 777, 20% Dijon 114 and 15% Wädenswil. Aged in French oak barrels, 10% new. · Light ruby red color in the glass. Highly fragrant aromas of red cherry, red cherry hard candy, honeysuckle, earthy flora and sweet oak. Light to mid weight in style, with delicate, but flavorful tastes of red cherry, raspberry and spice. A genteel wine with admirable balance and a lip-smacking finish. Score: 90. Reviewed May 7, 2017 ARTICLE »
2014 Ghost Hill Cellars Bayliss-Bower Vineyard Prospector’s Reserve Yamhill-Carlton Oregon Pinot
13.5% alc., pH 3.42, $55. Released May 1, 2017. A blend of six barrels that created a more masculine and intense reflection of the site and vintage. Wädenswil, Pommard, 777 and 114 clones from the oldest part of the vineyard. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Conspicuous aromas of cherry and forest floor lead to a mouthful of black cherry, blueberry and plum flavors that linger in the mouth and on the finish. Fine-grain tannins back up the fruit that is deftly touched by oak. A polished wine with gratifying balance that will benefit from a little more time in bottle to ameliorate the tannins. Score: 93. Reviewed May 7, 2017 ARTICLE »
2013 Ghost Hill Cellars “Spirit of Pinot Noir” Yamhill-Carlton Rosé
13.0% alc., pH 3.43, 156 cases, screwcap, $20. 50% saignée and 50% a byproduct of Pinot Noir Blanc pressing. Aged 6 months on lees with stirring in stainless steel. · Modest pink color in the glass. A crisp, lively wine with aromas and flavors of strawberry, blood orange, orange zest and cranberry. Satisfying, with some fruit dancing on the finish. Score: 88. Reviewed June 2, 2014 ARTICLE »
2013 Ghost Hill Cellars Bayliss-Bower Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton Oregon Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.80, 331 cases, $42. A blend of four clones including Pommard (45%), 777 (20%), 114 (20%) and 15% Wädenswil. Aged in French oak barrels, 10% new. · Light cherry red color in the glass. I loved the nose which offered waves of cherry, baking spice and sandalwood aromas. Soft in the mouth and easy to indulge, with mid weight flavors of cherry, spice and a hint of herbal oak, framed by balanced, chalky tannins. An impressive offering from the difficult 2013 vintage. Score: 92. Reviewed July 9, 2016 ARTICLE »
2012 Ghost Hill Cellars Yamhill Carlton Pinot Noir Blanc
13.5% alc., pH 3.40, 416 cases, $25, screwcap. Produced since 2010 from young clone 115 vines. Whole cluster pressed into 100% stainless steel. Cool fermentation over 5 months on lees until it was filtered 3 days before bottling. · Pale rose with a gold cast in the glass. Aromas of apple and peach are echoed in the flavors with an added touch of red berry. Boisterous and complex with a lively cut of acidity. Pinot Noir Blanc always challenges the senses. Score: 89. Reviewed June 2, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Ghost Hill Cellars Bayliss-Bower Vineyard Savannah Ridge Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., , pH 3.77, 390 cases, $42. 45% Pommard, 20% 777, 20% 114 and 15% Wädenswil. Aged in 10% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of cherry, dried herbs and red hard candy. Light to mid weight array of spiced black cherry and berry fruits with an herbal vein in the background. The tannins are balanced and there is some finishing intensity. Score: 89. Reviewed November 6, 2015 ARTICLE »
2012 Ghost Hill Cellars Prospector’s Reserve Savannah Ridge Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.74, 148 cases, $55. A special selection of barrels intended to create a more masculine and intense reflection of the site and vintage. A blend of the four main clones from the oldest part of the Bayliss-Bower Vineyard: Wädenswil, Pommard, 777 and 114. Aged in 17% new French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Exemplary purity of black cherry fruit on the nose that really soars. A little more sap and backbone than the regular bottling featuring mid weight flavors of Bing cherry, red raspberry, cola, and baking spice. Very juicy acidity with noticeable finishing power and length. Impeccably balanced for age ability. Score: 92. Reviewed November 6, 2015 ARTICLE »
2011 Ghost Hill Cellars Bayliss-Bower Yamhill-Carlton Pinot Noir
13.2% alc., pH 3.69, 300 cases, $42. Clones 114, Wädenswil, 777, and Pommard. 100% de-stemmed. Aged in 10% new French oak. 2012 International Pinot Noir Celebration Featured Wine. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Lovely and spirited nose offering hi-tone aromas of cherry, dried herbs and spice. Middleweight flavors of dark cherry, sassafras, and savory herbs. Juicy and fresh, with a long, dry finish. Score: 90. Reviewed June 2, 2014 ARTICLE »
2011 Ghost Hill Cellars Prospector’s Reserve Yamhill-Carlton Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.64, 100 cases, $55. A 5 barrel selection of clones 114, 777, Pommard and Wädenswill in about equal proportions. One new barrel. · Moderately light reddish purple hue in the glass. Very deep and enticing cherry aroma with a rose petal note. Discreetly concentrated core of cherry and raspberry fruit supported by fine-grain tannins and balanced acidity. Barrel management is spot on and the finish is particularly noteworthy for its persistence. Score: 92. Reviewed June 2, 2014 ARTICLE »
2008 Ghost Hill Cellars Bayliss-Bower Yamhill-Carlton Pinot Noir
13.5%, re-release of 14 cases, $62. 100% free-run juice. Rebecca’s first wine at Ghost Hill Cellars. Some held back because the 2009 vintage was so fruit-forward and released again in May 2014 to Wine Club. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. Deep black cherry aromas with a swirl of raspberry and a hint of watermelon. Full-bodied and structured with a core of intensely flavored black cherries and dark raspberries with a touch of spice, herbs and oak. The finish is generous and lasts over 30 seconds. A special wine with many years ahead. Score: 92. Reviewed June 2, 2014 ARTICLE »