Johan Vineyards 2021 Pinot Noir 'Sapience'

Sapience is the reserve Pinot Noir bottling from this thoughtful, terroir-driven estate—formerly known as “Nils.” The name Sapience, derived from the old French word for wisdom, taste, and intelligence, perfectly captures the spirit of the wine. Its label features a striking image of one of the oldest oak trees on the property, a quiet giant that has long watched over the vineyard and serves as a symbol of natural wisdom and strength.

This bottling is all about showcasing the depth and power that Pinot Noir can achieve on this site. Barrel selections are made with precision to highlight structure and concentration, while preserving the wine’s balance and clarity.

Fermentation took place with native yeasts for both primary and malolactic, and about 10% whole clusters were included for added nuance. The wine aged for 19 months in French oak barrels, only 9% of which were new—allowing the character of the vineyard to shine through.

Just 262 cases were produced, making this a rare and thoughtful expression of place—with both power and poise, and a quiet twinkle of something truly special.

• Producer: Johan Vineyards
• Region: Van Duzer Corridor AVA, Willamette Valley, Oregon
• Variety: Pinot Noir
• Alcohol: 12.4%