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Eola Hills Wine Cellars ‘Fossil Block’ Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, USA:

(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the producer’s website)

Varietal 100% Pinot Noir

Location Willamette Valley, Oregon

Drink Now or Cellar? Drink now or cellar through 2028

Tasting notes:

The Fossil Block Pinot Noir showcases the distinctive character of its unique vineyard site. Aromas of black cherry, raspberry, blueberry, and pomegranate are layered with hints of vanilla bean, earth, sea salt, and baking spice. On the palate, the wine is silky and elegant, yet carries remarkable depth and structure. Bright red and dark berry fruit mingle with savory undertones and a pronounced mineral streak that reflects the fossil-rich soils of the vineyard. Fine tannins and vibrant acidity carry the wine through a long, polished finish marked by earthy complexity and lingering notes of cherry and stone. The result is a Pinot Noir that balances richness and finesse while expressing the distinctive terroir of the Eola-Amity Hills.

Food pairings!

This Pinot Noir is wonderfully versatile at the table. Pair it with herb-roasted salmon, duck breast with cherry reduction, cedar-planked pork tenderloin, wild mushroom risotto, or roasted chicken with thyme and rosemary. Its earthy and mineral-driven character also complements dishes featuring mushrooms, truffles, and root vegetables. For cheese pairings, consider Gruyère, aged Comté, or a creamy triple-cream brie. The wine’s balance of bright fruit and savory complexity makes it equally comfortable alongside elegant dinner-party fare or a simple Northwest-inspired meal.

From Them to You!

Eola Hills Wine Cellars was founded in 1982 by Oregon native Tom Huggins and has grown into one of the Willamette Valley’s most respected family-owned wineries. Rooted in the Eola-Amity Hills, the winery farms more than 300 acres of sustainably managed vineyards and focuses on crafting wines that reflect Oregon’s maritime climate and diverse soils. Longtime winemaker Steve Anderson emphasizes vineyard expression and balance, producing wines that are approachable while still showcasing a strong sense of place. The Fossil Block bottling is among the winery’s most terroir-driven Pinot Noirs, highlighting the ancient marine sediments and fossil-rich soils that make this section of the Legacy Estate Vineyard so distinctive.

The Fossil Block bottling is a more structured, site-specific Pinot Noir than Eola Hills’ regional blends. The vineyard sits on a rocky hillside rich in ancient marine fossils, formed from prehistoric seabeds, volcanic activity, and glacial floods. The site benefits from cooling winds flowing through the Van Duzer Corridor, helping preserve acidity and structure. The combination of concentrated fruit, mineral-driven soils, and the excellent aging track record of Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir suggests this wine should continue to develop gracefully for another 6–8 years. Expect fresh fruit notes to evolve toward dried cherry, forest floor, truffle, and spice as it matures.

Amity Vineyards Pinot Blanc:

(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the producer’s website)

Varietal 100% Pinot Blanc

Location Eola-Amity Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA

Drink Now or Cellar? Drink now or cellar through 2029

Tasting notes:

The Amity Pinot Blanc is a bright, expressive white that highlights the elegance of Oregon’s cool-climate vineyards. Aromas of white peach, pear, and white grapefruit emerge from the glass, accompanied by subtle floral notes and a hint of freshly turned earth. On the palate, lively acidity carries flavors of green apple, citrus, lime zest, and fresh herbs, with a distinctive mineral and saline character adding depth and complexity. Crisp and refreshing, yet possessing enough texture to hold your attention, this Pinot Blanc finishes clean and vibrant, inviting another sip.

Food pairings!

This is a wonderfully versatile food wine that shines alongside fresh, seasonal cuisine. Pair it with oysters, Dungeness crab, grilled halibut, shrimp tacos, or lemon-herb roasted chicken. Its bright acidity and citrus-driven profile also complement goat cheese, fresh mozzarella, asparagus, spring vegetables, and salads featuring apples, herbs, or citrus vinaigrettes. For a Pacific Northwest-inspired pairing, serve it with cedar-planked salmon or a fresh crab cake with lemon aioli. The wine’s crisp finish and subtle minerality make it an excellent aperitif as well.

From Them to You!

Amity Vineyards is one of Oregon’s pioneering wineries, established in 1974 by Myron Redford in what would later become the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. The winery was among the earliest champions of sustainable viticulture in the Willamette Valley and helped define the region’s reputation for producing elegant, site-driven wines. Today, Amity continues to focus on estate-grown fruit and minimal-intervention winemaking, producing wines that emphasize balance, freshness, and a strong sense of place. The estate’s mature vines and commitment to expressing the unique terroir of the Eola-Amity Hills have made it a respected name in Oregon wine for more than five decades.