June 2020

Anchor Valley Wines Owners: Joe Moxley and Mike Herrera, Matthew Cates, Ashley Cates, Bill Powell and Cari Powell Winemaker: Matthew Cates Anchor Valley Wines come from an extraordinary place, Oregon’s Rogue Valley. The Rogue Valley is a respected, trending wine region in southwestern Oregon in the United States. Located along the middle Rogue River in Josephine and Jackson counties, the valley is considered by many to be the cultural and economic heart of Southern Oregon near the California border. The largest communities in the Rogue Valley are Medford, Ashland and Grants Pass. Oregon is a world-class wine region with more than 700 wineries, and more than 1,000 vineyards growing 72 varieties of grapes. It’s a place where you can really indulge your wine-loving senses. Wines from this region are rich, hand crafted and immensely imaginative. Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Petite Sirah Anchor Valley Winery co-owner Ashley Cates describes the winery philosophy this way , “…Our story is really about a convergence of passion and expertise and wanting to open the door a bit wider to the wine world and welcoming in everyone whether they are a first time taster or a master of wine. We aim to challenge conformity, cultivate community and create change in a humble, open armed way. ” Company Overview Founded: 2007 The Rogue Valley is world renowned for its vineyards. It’s no surprise, then, that the founding owners Joe Moxley and Mike Herrera started their wine journey after a wine tasting adventure in Southern Oregon where they met award-winning winemaker, Matthew Cates. Their aspiration was to recreate and share that experience in the form of their own wines. The ownership has expanded over the years, but the vision has remained the same. Offerings Anchor Valley has a collection of award-wining wines with grapes grown in the Rogue Valley including 2018 Pinot Noir Rosé, 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2017 Viognier, 2018 Pinot Gris, 2017 Pinot Noir, 2017 Petite Sirah. They also have a line of promotional clothing. Tasting Room Located in historic Jacksonville, Oregon, the wine cellar is a fun and relaxing atmosphere to enjoy award-winning Anchor Valley wines. Tasters can sample the full range of Anchor Valley wines, including rare and limited-release vintages not found available anywhere else. An unpretentious menu has been created from local and artisanal ingredients carefully chosen to pair perfectly with the wines. Craft beverages by the bottle, as well as a rotating selection of non-alcoholic drinks is also available. Address 150 S Oregon Street Jacksonville, Oregon Hours of Operation Please check days/hours/protocols online before you go! Thu & Fri, 4:00pm – 7:00pm Sat & Sun, 12:00pm – 7:00pm Wine Reviews I was sent three wines to try from this incredible winery. At this time of year, I am in my summer residence aboard my boat in Seattle, WA. Elbe: Seattle, WA I request that wines sent to me are highly representative of what the winery is capable of. I am looking for wines that are true to their creators, their terroir and ones that can easily be shared on my summer boating excursions. Guests, friends and family have diverse tastes. I’d like everyone who steps aboard to be wowed from their first to their last sip. Below are my reviews. The wines exceeded my expectations. Small lot production, unique terroir, a savvy winemaker and owners who care about the end product make these wines a must try. Visit the tasting room, and/or order the wines online. 2018 Pinot Gris This Pinot Gris is unexpected. The flavors are much more concentrated, yet dry, than most Pinot Gris’ you may have experienced. You can actually taste the grapes in this wine. If you like the appealing notes of Meyer lemon, granite, and green apple on the nose, you’ll like this wine. What the nose promises, translates beautifully to the palate with a bit of sweet nectarine as well. Great balance. Perfect summer wine. Try with clam chowder, a seafood salad or as the glass of wine you give to your guests as they arrive. 13.8 % ALC. / 177 cases / $25 2017 Pinot Noir This is a medium elegant Pinot Noir. It is not one of those “too light” Pinots. But it’s also not a big bad boy that leaves you wondering if the winery labeled the bottle incorrectly. Swirl the glass to bring up the cranberry and raspberry to your nose. As it hits your palate think tobacco, violets, roses, and a touch of vanilla. Nice silky finish. Try with lamb chops. ALC: 13.5% ALC / 239 cases / $30 2017 Petite Sirah This Petite Sirah was my favorite of the three. It’s what all Petite Sirah’s should try to be when they grow up. Its velvety inky mouth feel erupts into juicy blueberry and blackberry on the front palate. It finishes with sophisticated tannin’s and hints of pepper and black tea. Taste the wines, and you’ll see why all of this rings true on your palate. Pair with a well-dressed steak. 14.8 ALC. / $120 cases /$35 # # # Note: I only review wines that I find have value for my readers. This article is not an endorsement, but a professional review. The winery owners provided three wines for review purposes. No fee was paid by the winery for this review.