The Eola-Amity Hills is situated to the immediate east of the Van Duzer Corridor, the "air-conditioning" pathway through the Coast Range where marine air enters from the west and cools the Willamette Valley. At the top of the ava sits Koosah Vineyard, one of the highest and riskiest plantings in the WV. This "magnum opus" project of Kevin Chambers—who is somewhat of a living legend of a vine grower here—is without argument one of the most thoughtfully and meticulously-planted vineyards in the WV. Ripening here is patient and Fall rains will almost always threaten the harvest (but many of our vineyard sites are that way too and it seems to lead to the most compelling wines).

The early results at Koosah are striking. At the time of this writing, I am now three vintages into a relationship with this fascinating site. Acid retention is showing to be exceptional, with no lack of rich fruit character, and aromatics are remarkably lifted and expressive. The Parrett soil (shallow, rocky volcanic basalt) provides appropriate stress to the plants, resulting in sparse canopies and loose clusters with small berries and thick skins because of plentiful wind and sun exposure. The 2019s are the very first wines from Koosah and with a highly talented group of winemakers involved you will surely here more about Koosah Pinot noir and Chardonnay.