Though a select group of wines have left indelible idealized marks on my memory, I don't think of them as "perfect". The idea that a wine could be perfect is just weird to me. I love wine, and I extol its virtues on the regular, but I am sure I have not encountered a perfect specimen....
... all that said, Johan Vineyards' 2018 Estate Pinot Noir is, for me, a perfect picture of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. Fresh, earthy, elegant, built to improve in the bottle, it is everything I want from fine Pinot. It also happens to be a stellar value.
Johan Vineyards is a certified biodynamic estate in the Van Duzer Corridor AVA, one of the coolest spots in the Willamette Valley. The goal at Johan is to produce wines with a clear sense of place. Fermentations are uninoculated and winemaking is kept simple. The 2018 Estate Pinot was fermented with 40% whole clusters, and spent 10 months in oak, only 7% new barrels.
Johan Vineyards Pinot Noir 2018 - $32
Fresh and lifted, gorgeous red and blue fruits, lots of pine forest, dark soil and herbal nuance, a little cola, baking spice and roses. Supple and suave on the palate, tangy fruits and very fine tannins. Complex and refreshing finish, with intense juicy tart fruit and diverse herbal, floral and earthy tones. This is young and tense and should open up over the next few years, and may be worth saving 10+.
Order three or more bottles and we'll knock 15% off. Please email orders@craftandcru.com to place your orders or inquiries.