Johan Vineyards Estate Blaufränkisch · Van Duzer Corridor · 2022
Dark Fruit. Mineral Edge. Oregon with Nerve.
Some wines whisper.
This one hums.
The 2022 Johan Vineyards Estate Blaufränkisch is Oregon through a different lens — darker, more mineral, and more structurally driven than the Pinot Noir most people expect from the Willamette Valley. It’s vivid, savory, and quietly electric.
This is the bottle you open when you want something familiar in quality,
but different in character.
Why This One Matters
Johan Vineyards is one of Oregon’s most thoughtful biodynamic producers, and Blaufränkisch thrives in their Van Duzer Corridor site. Cool coastal winds and volcanic soils shape a wine that feels lifted and precise rather than heavy.
Blaufränkisch often sits somewhere between Pinot Noir and Northern Rhône Syrah — fruit-forward but structured, floral yet mineral, bright yet grounded. Johan leans fully into that balance, crafting a wine that feels both modern and timeless.
It’s Oregon — just with a darker soundtrack.
What It Feels Like
Blueberry, black cherry, and wild berry fruit lead.
Lavender, crushed mint, and spice follow.
A mineral core runs quietly underneath it all.
On the palate: medium-bodied with bright acidity and finely structured tannins. The fruit feels vibrant and fresh, while savory herbal notes and a subtle earthiness give it depth. The finish is energetic and lifted, with a cool-climate precision that keeps you coming back.
It feels nervy.
Alive.
Effortlessly composed.
When to Open It
A dinner where conversation matters
Grilled vegetables, lamb, or mushroom dishes
A “Pinot night” where you want something different
Cool evenings, vinyl on, lights low
When you want structure without heaviness
Serve slightly below room temperature.
Technical Notes
Producer: Johan Vineyards
Region: Van Duzer Corridor · Willamette Valley, Oregon
Varietal: 100% Blaufränkisch
Farming: Biodynamic
Fermentation: Native yeast, partial whole cluster
Aging: ~11 months in French oak (minimal new oak)
Body: Medium
Structure: Bright acidity · Fine tannins · Mineral-driven
Flavor Profile:
Blueberry · Black cherry · Lavender · Mint · Spice · Mineral
Drinking Window:
Beautiful now with a brief decant. Will evolve gracefully through 2030+.
Member Note
If you love Pinot Noir but want something with a little more edge and structure, this is your bridge. A quietly compelling Oregon red that rewards attention — and pairs effortlessly with the table.
Drink well. Live long. Belong.
The Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Blanc · Willamette Valley · 2022
Quiet Complexity. Timeless Oregon.
Some wines don’t try to impress you immediately.
They win you over slowly.
The 2022 Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Blanc is exactly that kind of bottle — layered, elegant, and quietly complex. It doesn’t rely on flash or overt fruit. Instead, it offers texture, balance, and a savory depth that unfolds with time in the glass.
A classic from one of Oregon’s founding estates.
Why This One Matters
Eyrie is one of the most historic wineries in Oregon, known for crafting wines that emphasize place and restraint over trend. Their Pinot Blanc has long been a benchmark for what this grape can achieve in the Willamette Valley.
Extended lees aging and a minimalist approach give this wine its signature texture and savory complexity. It’s a white wine with presence — structured enough for the table, refined enough to sip slowly.
A true “if you know, you know” bottle.
What It Feels Like
Pear, lemon peel, and nectarine open the nose.
Wet stone, almond, and subtle mushroom follow.
A soft creaminess develops as it opens.
On the palate: medium-bodied with a silky, almost weightless texture. Bright acidity keeps everything fresh while the lees aging adds depth and a gentle roundness. The finish is long, mineral, and mouthwatering — equal parts precision and comfort.
It feels calm.
Textured.
Deeply balanced.
When to Open It
Seafood or shellfish dinners
Roast chicken or mushroom dishes
A quiet evening with a great book
When Chardonnay feels too heavy and Sauvignon too sharp
When you want a white with real depth
Serve chilled but not too cold to allow full expression.
Technical Notes
Producer: The Eyrie Vineyards
Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Varietal: Pinot Blanc
Style: Dry
Fermentation: Stainless steel
Aging: Extended lees contact (~11 months)
Body: Medium
Structure: Bright acidity · Creamy texture · Mineral finish
Flavor Profile:
Pear · Lemon peel · Nectarine · Almond · Wet stone · Citrus pith
Drinking Window:
Excellent now. Will continue to develop savory complexity through 2028–2032.
Member Note
This is one of those wines that rewards attention. Give it a little air, let it warm slightly in the glass, and you’ll see just how layered and complete Oregon Pinot Blanc can be.
A quiet standout in this month’s Oregon Club.
Drink well. Live long. Belong.
West Seattle Wine Cellars 