Winemaker Notes
The Pacific Northwest experienced a relatively warm winter during 2020-2021, and much of the Willamette valley saw average to below average winter precipitation. With a cool and dry start to the growing season, we saw budbreak the third week of April and progressed through a few heat spikes and then onto some cool weather in late May, and rain during flowering in June. The most memorable weather event of 2021 was the epic “heat dome” in late June, which fortunately did not damage the vines or developing berries thanks to the timing of the event and corresponding plant growth stage. The remainder of the growing season was warmer than average, with a cool down in both August and during harvest in October. In comparison to 2020, fruit set was consistent but yielded smaller clusters and berries overall. 2021 was a wonderful growing season, with low disease pressure, average yields and perfect clusters - which led to concentrated, fresh and complex wines across all clones and varieties at Johan. Technical: ABV 12.5%, pH 3.43, TA 6.6 g/L.