The Eola-Amity Hills AVA is located in the Willamette Valley, Oregon, just west of the city of Salem. This is a very cool climate, as winds blow in from the Van Duzer corridor, keeping conditions cool even in the middle of summer. Vines are planted from 400 to 850 feet; soils are a mix of shallow sedimentary, basalt and volcanic. Pinot Noir is the overwhelming variety planted here, while there is also a bit of Riesling and Pinot Gris. A typical Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir has very good natural acidity, a distinct herbal streak, flavors of wild and dark cherry and rhubarb, often with a subtle medicinal note. The finest are most definitely terroir-driven and have the stuffing and structure to age for a decade or more. (Wine/Appellations)