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 Cuvée 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.

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