2015 Day Johan Vineyard Pinot Noir
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
Started 2012. Brianne Day started as a waitress in a diner. In 2006 she did a year-long trip to taste wine, starting in NZ. She buys fruit and her new winery is used by other start ups. Influenced and inspired by Central Otago’s Grant Taylor. Organic and biodynamic sites only – this one is biodynamic. Very far west so outside the Eola-Amity Hills and directly into the wind funnel. Lower elevation than Sojourner. Very big mix of clones but co-fermented. 30% whole bunch. 15% new oak. 18 months in barrel. Lightish cherry red. Lifted red fruit. But there’s also a little savoury character. And it does smell more burgundian – less pure cherry fruit and more layered subtlety. There’s a hint of herbs from the whole bunch. Savoury, spiced and definite tannins but they are drier and finer than the Walter Scott Sojourner. Dry stony texture on the finish, beautiful freshness and restraint on the palate. Super-fresh. Tastes as if fermented in concrete. (JH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
Brilliant red. Energetic, spice-accented red berry and cherry scents are complemented by subtle vanilla, floral and smoky mineral notes. Silky and appealingly sweet, offering concentrated raspberry, cherry compote and rose pastille flavors that become more lively with aeration. Supple tannins sneak in slowly on a long, floral-tinged finish that hangs on with strong tenacity.
Brilliant red. Intense red berry, floral pastille and Asian spice aromas, along with hints of succulent herbs and incense. Appealingly sweet and penetrating, offering energetic, spice-laced raspberry and boysenberry flavors and a gentle touch of cola. Fine-grained tannins give shape and grip to the nervy finish, which lingers with strong, sweet persistence and repeating spiciness.