Day Wines Johan Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017

Day Wines Johan Vineyard Pinot Noir

Johan Vineyard is an 85-acre, Demeter-certified biodynamic site in the Willamette Valley, south of McMinnville and west of Salem. Although it’s a relatively low-elevation site, due to its proximity to the coast and the winds that howl through the Van Duzer Corridor every summer afternoon, the fruit here tends to ripen later than in our other vineyards. It is primarily marine sediment soils, and the benefit of biodynamic farming is completely apparent when one stands in this healthy and alive place.

Grape Varietals: 100% Pinot Noir

Vineyard: Johan Vineyards

Alc. By Vol.: 13%

Winemaking: A field blend of pinot noir clones are carefully sorted, with 25% whole clusters lining the bottom of each small-batch fermenter, topped with destemmed berries. In lieu of sulfur, we use dry ice, to mitigate oxygenation while keeping microbial health of the grapes, including the native yeast we allow to kick off, and complete, primary fermentation. Pigeage and punchdowns are conducted twice a day for three weeks until dry.

Pressed gently into French Oak, 85% of which is neutral. Aged for 22 months. Minimal sulfur added at the completion of malolactic fermentation, and just before bottling. No use of enzymes or fining agents were employed, and never filtered.

Reviews

Wine Enthusiast – “A bit austere when first opened, this rewards extra breathing time (or decanting) with impressive details from biodynamic farming. Beetroot, dried herbs, spicy floral notes and even stem flavors are in the mix, but with none of the bitterness that too often accompanies wines in which the fruit flavors are subdued. Raspberry punches through, along with pomegranate and a hint of bay leaf. The wine is fermented with wild yeasts and aged 22 months in 15% new oak.” (92 Pts)