Johan Vineyards
The owner of Johan Vineyards, Dag Johan Sundby, a native Norwegian, was inspired by the legendary vineyards of Burgundy. He sought the ideal Pinot Noir terroir, finding it in the similar latitude and climate of the Willamette Valley in Oregon. Driven by New World optimism and youth, he is anchored by Old World values and a fierce determination to make premium wines that will stand the test of time.
Johan Vineyards consists of 65 acres of gently sloping estate vineyards on the 175-acre site in the southwest corner of the Van Duzer corridor just west of Salem, Oregon. Situated in the eastern foothills of the Oregon Coast Range, the vineyard is blessed with afternoon ocean breezes and cool evening temperatures that are ideal for ripening Pinot Noir. Elevations range from approximately 180 to 360 feet. Soils were formed primarily from marine sedimentary rock. Johan Vineyards is committed to environmentally responsible farming practices and are in the process of converting to Biodynamic farming.
Johan Vineyards’ goal is to produce premium wines that showcase our unique estate vineyard and each individual growing season. Our wines offer balance, complexity and elegance. All wines are made in small, hand-crafted batches to insure quality and enjoyment. We grow solely Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris varietals.
Johan Vineyards Vin Gris of Pinot Noir 2009 – Vin Gris is white wine made from red grapes, in particular Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir is a black grape, but can also be used to make rosé or white wine. When the grapes are brought to the winery and crushed, the juice is run off and removed from contact with the skin, leaving the color compounds from the skin behind.
This Vin Gris used native yeasts and is 50% barrel fermented using only neutral oak as not to add any oak flavours and still allow the wine to breath during fermentation which adds to mouth feel and richness of the wine. The other 50% was fermented in stainless steel, which adds a clean crispness to the wine. It was then aged in neutral French oak and allowed to partially go through Malolactic fermentation. Production: 200 cases
Johan Vineyards Pinot Gris 2010 – This Pinot Gris used native yeasts and was 100% barrel fermented using only neutral oak. While the neutral oak will not add any oak flavours, it will allow the wine to breath during fermentation, which adds to mouth feel and richness of the wine. The wine was further aged in neutral French oak for six months and allowed to partially go through Malolactic fermentation.
Johan Vineyards Pinot Noir 2008 - Bright red fruit of cherries and strawberries. Elegant and perfumed aromas with hints of minerals and earth. The mouth-feel is full yet vibrant and crisp with smooth tannins and a long finish of espresso and chocolate. The Johan Vineyards 2008 Pinot Noir – Willamette Valley – is a blend of estate-grown fruit (1/3) and purchased fruit (2/3) from several vineyards throughout the northern Willamette valley. Production: 396 cases
Johan Vineyards Pinot Noir Nils Reserve 2008 – After a cool spring – resulting in natural low yields – this vintage was miraculously extended deep into October making it possible to let the fruit slowly mature. Rich and concentrated flavors were developed at unusually low sugar levels. The wine was aged for 18 months in 100% French oak barrels; 40% were new. In line with the goals of Johan Vineyards, this Pinot Noir is made in a classic style, with a focus on balance, complexity and elegance. It clearly represents the characters and nuances of Johan Vineyards as well as the 2008 growing-season. Production: 330 Cases
