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.
738578 Johan Vineyards Pinot Noir Estate 2007
The 2007 Estate Pinot Noir is grown, produced and bottled by Johan Vineyards. This Pinot Noir was fermented with 20% whole cluster and native yeasts. It was aged in 50% new French Oak for 15 months. Then it was bottle aged for another 7 months prior to its release in August 2009.
Medium in colour, this wine features a nose of bright Bing cherries, earth and spice. The finish is crisp with big chalky tannins, and is a great compliment to all types of food. It is best served with red meats, pork, turkey and salmon.
750 cases produced. 91 points – Allen Meadows’ Burghound.com
738579 Johan Vineyards Pinot Noir Nils Reserve 2007
The 2007 Johan Vineyards Nils Reserve Pinot Noir is made from the winemaker’s choice of the best grapes grown on the estate, and then fermented in individual tanks and put in select barrels. This Pinot Noir was fermented with 33% whole cluster and native yeasts. It was aged in 50% new French Oak for 15 months.
The 2007 Johan Vineyard’s Nils Reserve Pinot Noir features a nose of current, blackberries, spice, and earthy notes. The finish has a great acidic backbone with big full tannins, and is a great compliment to all types of food, especially red meats, pork, turkey, and salmon.
185 cases produced. 92 Points – Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar
