Modesto region native went from intern to winemaker in just 3 years at SLO vineyard
Eric Johnson grew up on a farm in Los Banos where his family grew apricots and raised sheep and pigs. His roommate at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo came from a wine growing family in Sonoma. While visiting there, Eric’s interest in wine and winemaking was sparked. He began his career by working in the tasting room at Bianchi Winery in Paso Robles. In 2007 he joined the tasting room crew of Talley Vineyards and the same year he was chosen as a harvest intern.
In 2010, Brian Talley, President of Talley Vineyards, announced the appointment of Johnson as the winemaker of Talley Vineyards. In his statement to Wine Business News, Talley said “Eric’s commitment to quality, his enthusiasm and his hands-on-leadership style are a real inspiration to our entire team.”
To move up from a harvest intern to winemaker in three years is incredible, and at just 26 years of age. During our interview with Eric, in Talley Vineyard’s beautifully remodeled tasting room, we witnesses that same enthusiasm even after 13 harvests.
His philosophy of winemaking is to grow quality grapes, pick at just the right time, use only native fermentation and then to let the grapes do their magic. Quality grapes will make quality wines and will reflect the terroir. His favorite time of the year is the harvest. He gets up at 2 a.m. and meets his night picking crew. I call that hands-on-leadership.
When asked about the new releases he said the 2021s are coming out and are similar to the 2019s. They are fresh and energetic. The Stone Corral Pinot Noir, which is already released, is delicate. The Rincon and Rosemary’s will be released in about two months. The 2022 Rose of Grenache is out and delicious. It definitely will be a sell out.
In 2015, Eric and his wife Cait started their own label, Ann Albert Wines. They make two Chardonnays and a Gamay. Production is about 400 cases and is sold locally and through a broker in Los Angeles.
I asked him what he envisions for the future. Eric said he loved his family, now with a daughter, his home in San Luis Obispo, the ability to walk to Cal Poly games, his easy commute, the Talley family and all their employees. His response was “I love my job!” He is obviously livin’ the dream in SLO wine country.
What’s on our Table
The Kirkland Signature 2020 Gigondas from Costco is the deal this week. This Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre blend (GSM) is from the Grand Cru appellation, Gigondas, in France. I bought one for dinner and went back and bought three more. It’s a super buy and under $14. Cheers!
Questions? Comments? Find me on Facebook or at rgwinton@yahoo.com.
