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Anne Amie Vineyards
Rating Details »
6580 NE Mineral Springs Rd
Carlton, OR 97111
(503) 864-2991
Carlton, OR 97111
(503) 864-2991
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
6 reviews for Anne Amie Vineyards
Anne Amie Vineyards, located in Carlton, Oregon, is the first winery I have visited as a result of being introduced via a wine blog. The blogosphere served not only as a means of discovery, but more importantly a way to connect me to the people and places that are behind Anne Amie. Before ever tasting their wine, I learned about this winery by first reading Craig Camp's blog, The Wine Camp, and then following this fall's harvest on the Anne Amie blog.
During the last two months, Craig and other folks at Anne Amie have posted stories and photos about crush, providing a firsthand account at what goes on in their vineyards and at their winery during their busiest time of year. As a result, I was eager to see if my offline experience visiting their tasting room would live up to the connections Anne Amie provided online. Indeed it did.
Although their mailing address lists Carlton, Anne Amie Vineyards is actually closer to the town of Lafayette. The winery is situated on a high ridge in the Yamhill-Carlton District AVA, providing a beautiful view looking west. It's no wonder the folks at Anne Amie post so many sunset photos on their winery blog. Although it was foggy the afternoon I visited, I could just imagine how spectacular that view must be looking west during a clear sunset. The winery takes full advantage of their setting on the ridge, with seating outside on a large patio, offering a fantastic place to enjoy wine on a warm, sunny day.
Entering their large tasting room, I was greeted by Julie, an enthusiastic server who led me through a $5 flight comprised of the 2006 Anne Amie Pinot Gris, 2006 Cuve A Amrita, 2005 Anne Amie Viognier, 2004 Winemaker's Selection Pinot Noir and 2004 Vineyard Club Select Pinot Noir. There were also two library wines to try for an additional $3, the 2002 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir and 2002 Hawks View Vineyard Pinot Noir. Fees are refundable with a purchase of $50 or more, which is a threshold easy to reach considering the price of their wines.
While pouring each taste, Julie offered a useful overview of where each wine's grapes came from and how it was made, even referring to a map showing the location of each vineyard. She was very knowledgeable and eager to answer all of my questions. Her enthusiasm for Anne Amie was welcome, and best of all it wasn't the over-the-top gushing about wine scores and reviews. Julie let the wines speak for themselves, which in my book is the most pleasing way to experience wine at a winery. And speak they did.
The entire flight was delicious, with the pinot noirs, especially the '02 vintage, offering the most complex and intriguing tastes. In fact, the '02 Hawks View Vineyard Pinot Noir captivated me the most, for there were notes on the finish that reminded me of a young nebbiolo, which was interesting considering this varietal is sometimes called the Burgundy of Italy.
Although each pinot was over 14% alcohol, I was surprised it did not overwhelm the fruit or taste hot on the finish. It will be interesting to see if the higher alcohol reveals itself in either of the bottles of 2004 Winemaker's Selection Pinot Noir and 2004 Vineyard Club Select Pinot Noir purchased during my visit. Regardless, I am looking forward to opening these at an upcoming dinner party with friends, as they are both special wines.
The make up of the flight I tasted was consistent with what I had seen on the Anne Amie web site the day before. What a terrific way to connect prospective visitors to your tasting room, as well as those who want to revisit what they tasted afterward. This approach, along with their blog, speaks to how Anne Amie's web site is a cut above the rest. Even still, I do wish they offered more detailed tasting notes on their wines.
Getting back to my visit, I really enjoyed learning more about the Anne Amie story, especially the history and people behind it. Julie informed me that the winery was originally Chateau Benoit until 1999, when it was purchased by Dr. Robert Pamplin, a local businessman and philanthropist, who renamed the winery after his two daughters, Anne and Amie.
It was interesting to learn about this extraordinary individual and his background in farming, which explained why there were bowls full of hazelnuts on the tasting room bar. It was also interesting to learn that Chateau Benoit lives on as an individual brand, featuring a less expensive line of Oregon wines. These wines can be purchased online or through two retail outlets in Oregon.
Overall, I had a great experience tasting wine at Anne Amie Vineyards and look forward to visiting again in the years ahead. The Anne Amie winery combines a beautiful, picturesque setting with friendly, knowledgeable staff. I also applaud them for their tasting fee policy, not only for being inexpensive but also for refunding with purchase. I encourage you to place Anne Amie on your list of wineries to visit in the Willamette Valley.
This is one of the best wineries I've been to for the all-around experience. We visited Anne Amie a couple months ago on our way out to Lincoln City. As soon we entered, we noticed that the tasting bar was completely full. So we decided to check out the property, but before we could do much one of the young employees comes out from the wine bar and asks us if we are wanting to do a tasting and he set us up at a standing table. We tried the cheapest wine flights (I think it was 5 tastings). The young man that helped us was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. I've never actually done a tasting of 5 wines and actually liked all the tastings. Our group of 6 ended up walking out with a case and a half of bottles. The 2007 Cuvée A Müller Thurgau was probably one of my favorites.
This is definitely a MUST stop if you are in the area for wine tasting. Great View also!
I look forward to opportunities to visit this winery when I'm in the area (the Evergreen Air Museum isn't far away). You are almost certain to find a wine you will want to share with guests and, in the holiday season ahead, at least one or more that you can give as tasteful gifts. There is little to occupy or entertain children; however, if you enjoy exploring and discovering wines for your table or wine rack, please add this vineyard to your list. The panoramic view from the hilltop is only one of the rewards of a quiet afternoon tasting here. Personal pick for 2009: Pinot Gris.
This is a massive estate that's more Napa-fied that most of what I saw in the area (so far). It's also kind of way out in the middle of nowhere, but that's how many of the wineries in this very rural area are, so if you go.. be prepared to drive. Spectacular views, and the wines are good, even if they were not my favorite of the trip.
Since we were there during the off season (December 05), we were the only ones tasting during our visit and I suppose I would have expected the staff to be a little more attentive. They were knowledgeable, when asked, but not particularly friendly or helpful. Stand-offish, maybe? I dunno. I just kept getting the feeling like they didn't think we were going to buy anything and even if we did, they just kind of wanted us out of there.
Maybe it was just an off day. Still, I would visit again and I was glad that they were one of the few that were open year round.
They had cute, chubby cat laying around too... and he was very friendly. I would visit him again, heh.
This was the first stop on my wine tour by limo last month. It was a celebration of my 12th anniversary so it was more of a party than serious wine tasting. We enjoyed a couple of the wines, the staff was friendly the view was very nice. It was a beautiful sunny day. They have a long flight of stairs up to the tasting room. Very nicely decorated. I would visit this winery again. I appreciate their $5 flight price too.
Spectacular views at this winery and the wines are pretty good too. We brought along a picnic and tried a bottle of their Pinot Noir. Very nice afternoon here.