Johan 'Murmuration' Red Blend, Van Duzer Corridor, Willamette Valley 2022 (750 ml)

Blend of Austrian Red Grapes: Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch & St. Laurent plus some Mondeuse

Philosophy

Murmuration refers to the phenomenon that results when hundreds, sometimes thousands, of starlings fly in swooping, intricately coordinated patterns through the sky. When we witness this magnificent event in the vineyard, it reminds us that a great blend is a collective reflection of the sum of all parts, as opposed to any one part on its own. As we continue to experiment with the multiple red grapes on the property, we found we need a space for creativity and blending to be able to make a wine that showcases a holistic expression of place.

Vintage Notes

Following a relatively warm 2021-22 winter, the 2022 spring will long be remembered for frost impacts and the prolonged cool and wet conditions into mid-June. The vines were slow to recover but experienced nearly ideal conditions during bloom that lead to a much larger than anticipated fruit set. The rest of the summer provided ample warmth, with a record- breaking stretch of eight days over 95°F in late July but very little heat stress compared to the 2021 vintage. September and October delivered with heat accumulation higher than any other ripening period in the data records and precipitation held off until the last week in October, one of the drier ripening periods on record. The entire 87 acres of Johan Vineyard was picked in just 11 days, an absolutely fast and furious vintage that will forever be remembered as a true logistical feat!

Production Notes

The 2022 vintage is a blend of 1/3 Cabernet Franc and the remaining 2/3 consisting of our Austrian red grapes – Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch, & St. Laurent – PLUS some Mondeuse! In 2022, these red varieties had very complementary fruit profiles and we thought they would play nicely together.

Production: 510 cases produced 

Alcohol: 11.0%

pH: 3.47

TA: 7.0 g/L

Johan Winery & Vineyards
Biodynamic Vineyards in the Van Duzer Corridor AVA in the Willamette Valley of Oregon.

Planted in 2002 and founded in 2005 Johan Vineyards is committed to Organic and Biodynamic principles (17 years). Demeter certified since 2010.

In the past eight years we have incorporated no-till and regenerative agriculture with animals.

With 15 varieties planted, diversity is key to us and although we are a Pinot Noir focused property, we also specialize in cool climate varieties from

France, Italy, Germany, and Austria.

Winemaker: Morgan Beck
Morgan's wine growing journey began with an Enology & Viticulture certificate program in Argentina, followed by apprentice experiences in Northern CA, Central Otago NZ, Casablanca Valley in Chile, and Oregon. She has worked in vineyard management in Sonoma/Napa, gaining experience in organic/BD viticulture, along with several ‘low manipulation’ winemakers in cellars throughout California and Oregon. Seeing the care and resulting quality and expression of the fruit from these experiences, Biodynamic practices have become a foundation of Morgan's personal winegrowing approach.  Her journey led her back to Oregon in 2015 for the incredible opportunity at Johan Vineyards, a Biodynamic vineyard and winery in the Van Duzer Corridor AVA focused on making estate-grown wines from a diverse array of grape varieties.  It is her mission to farm a holistic system that will showcase its own identity through the wine it produces. The translation of place as well as sharing the story of the growing season is Morgan's goal when guiding each wine from grape to bottle.

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