Established in 1988, Patz & Hall embodies the shared vision and collective expertise of four talented friends - Donald Patz, James Hall, Anne Moses and Heather Patz. Together, this dedicated team of individuals has turned a desire to craft benchmark, single-vineyard Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs into one of California's most celebrated artisan wineries.
Fellow Alum Donald Patz (Owner and National Sales Director)– As national sales director, and one of four founding partners, Donald Patz has spent nearly 20 years building Patz & Hall's reputation for quality, consistency and excellence. A dedicated and visionary individual, Donald brings a comprehensive understanding of Patz & Hall to his role, having gained extensive hands-on expertise in every aspect of the winery's operations. This depth of knowledge, coupled with Donald's belief in developing long-term, mutually rewarding relationships, has helped to earn a place for Patz & Hall on many of the world's great wine lists.
Donald first discovered his passion for wine when he stumbled upon a copy of Hugh Johnson's "World Atlas of Wine," while earning a degree in biology at the University of Oregon in Eugene in the late 1970s. While at U of O, Donald noted that his favorite Duck memory was “the filming of Animal House when they were shooting the scene in the cafeteria – “The Fish Bowl” – as it was describled. John Belushi spued mash potatoes out of his mouth As he was describing being a big zit.”
Fascinated by the book's central idea that wine is intrinsically tied to individual regions and vineyards, Donald began actively exploring different wines from around the world. A regular face at local wine shops, Donald was soon asked to become the director of the local Les Amis du Vin wine group, setting up tastings and winemaker dinners. Eager to immerse himself in California's emerging wine scene, Donald moved to Santa Rosa in 1983 and spent two years as a sales manager for a large wine wholesaler, handling key restaurant accounts throughout Northern California.
In 1985, Donald joined Flora Springs Winery and Vineyards as its national sales manager, a job that fulfilled his desire to move even closer to the world of vineyards and winemaking. While at Flora Springs, Donald struck up a close friendship with assistant winemaker James Hall, and the two discovered that they shared a mutual belief in handcrafting Chardonnays in small lots using exceptional cool-climate fruit, and traditional techniques. Inspired to create rich, complex wines in this artisan style, Donald and James joined with Anne Moses and Heather Patz to found Patz & Hall in 1988. Throughout the early years of Patz & Hall, Donald continued to work for Flora Springs, and later as director of sales and marketing for Girard, to help support his young winery. In 1995, Donald went full time with Patz & Hall. In keeping with his early fascination with individual regions and properties, Donald has championed Patz & Hall's commitment to crafting both Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs using fruit from elite single vineyards. At the same time, he has remained unwavering in his commitment to quality. "Short-term gains never outweigh long-term success," says Donald. "Besides, the truth is, it's just a lot easier to sell good wines."
Fellow Alum Heather Patz (Owner) - has been actively involved in Patz & Hall since its founding in 1988, contributing her unique mix of charm, style and skill to the success of the winery. Her enthusiasm for sharing the culture of wine, combined with her warm, hospitable nature has helped to define the personality of Patz & Hall, and its gracious approach to customer relations.
Heather attended U of O in the late seventies and had this to say about her favorite Duck memory. “I grew up in Eugene from 1962 – 1983. I enjoyed riding bikes through the beautiful campus with all the old oak trees and very green grass. Also, visiting one of the Halls for the weekly movies. One of my first dates was at the old bowling alley on campus.”
In the early years of Patz & Hall, Heather managed administrative and accounting responsibilities for the winery. In addition to overseeing the office, Heather contributed to the production process wherever possible, from sorting fruit to sampling grapes. A passionate spokesperson for Patz & Hall, Heather's role soon evolved to include hospitality and consumer relations. In this capacity, she was instrumental in establishing Patz & Hall's Salon Society, thereby insuring loyal customer’s access to the winery's most sought-after releases. Building on the success of the Salon Society, Heather helped to design and establish the intimate and beautifully appointed Patz & Hall Tasting Salon with its focus on seated, private tastings of the winery's acclaimed Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs.
2007 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
Winemaker Notes: The 2007 growing season was a top-notch vintage, with a cool summer and slow, even ripening. Reflecting its Sonoma Coast origins and near-perfect growing conditions, the 2007 SONOMA COAST PINOT NOIR offers a beautiful expression of the varietal, with bright red fruit aromatics of cranberry and pomegranate, accentuated by seductive layers of Chambord, butter and cinnamon spice. Crisp, structured and with a lifted, mouthwatering finish, this wine seamlessly balances pure cranberry and cherry notes with classic acidity. Ready to drink now but can be cellared for 1 to 2 years.
Heather and Donald selected this wine for you because it is a wonderful blend of 13 small family-owned vineyard sites. It is a wonderful blend, the only appellation blended Pinot Noir. 2007 was a fabulous year for Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Coast in Northern California. Full, bright, red fruit aromatics of cranberry and pomegranate.
92 Pts. – Wine Enthusiast
2007 Russian River Pinot Noir, Jenkins Ranch
Winemaker Notes: This is a supple and satisfying wine with an elegant texture that balances lushness with a certain demure quality. Walnut spice bread aromatics mingle with layers of clove, cinnamon spice and mulled cherry cider. On the palate, it is smooth and creamy, with an easy-drinking charm that highlights raspberry, cherry and pomegranate flavors, seamless tannins and a soft, lingering finish. Beautiful now, but could be cellared for 2 to 3 years.
Heather and Donald selected this wine for you because it is smooth and creamy on the palate, with an easy-drinking charm that highlights raspberry and cherry flavors, seamless tannins and a soft, lingering finish. This wine is a beautiful balanced wine that expresses the unique texture and flavors you will only get from Jenkins Ranch Vineyard.
94 Pts. – Wine Enthusiast
2007 Russian River Valley Chardonnay, Dutton Ranch
Winemaker Notes: With perfect weather and significantly smaller crops than the previous vintage, 2007 was a standout year for Chardonnay, and the 2007 DUTTON RANCH - Russian River Valley Chardonnay is no exception. Seamlessly combining both high tone and bass notes, this wine begins with lovely tropical aromas of mango and pineapple accented by subtle Muscat and white flower notes. On the palate, the wine is flowing and gracious, echoing the tropical fruit of the nose and combining it with layers of nut crust, graham cracker and crème brûlée. Though bone dry, it hints at sweetness, and concludes with an appealingly full and broad-textured finish. Drink now or cellar for an additional 1 – 2 years.
Heather and Donald selected this wine for you because it combines lovely tropical aromas and is accented by subtle Muscat and white flower notes using fruit from one of the oldest Chardonnay vineyards in the Russian River appellation. The 2001 vintage provided perfect weather with significantly smaller crops and was a stand out year for Dutton Ranch Chardonnay.
91 Pts. – Wine Enthusiast
