A Tale of Two Seasons: The Unique Flavors of 2024

Contrasting Elements Combine for a Standout Vintage

2024’s growing season was a seesaw of a cool temped winter & spring, balanced by an early summer heat bump. High acidity caused by the chilly spring and lushly ripened flavors from a weeklong warm string, served up a formidable one-two punch.

Plentiful early season rainfall filled reservoirs and prepared vines to weather toasty temperatures which could otherwise cause vines to shut down. Fully developed leaf canopies minimized the sun’s impact when temperatures rose into triple digits. This came in handy as the heat swing triggered robust flavor development whilst the grapes continued to mature under protective wings of leaf-shade.

Light Grape Yields, Big Wine Flavor

Even after two consecutive wet winters, vineyards in Napa and Sonoma yielded less-than-average tonnage with smaller sized berries. The lighter yields and tiny berries have the winemaking team excited about the phenolic development, eye-popping flavor expression and eyebrow-raising acidity.

Initially, the 2024 harvest, which began in late August, was shaping up to be exceptionally early and compact. However, a decrease in temperatures allowed harvest and cellar activities to steadily march through September with later ripening varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot able to continue developing on vine as late as mid-October.

The result? A rare vintage with age-worthy acidity and lush fruit intensity that distinguishes 2024 as one of the most memorable years in recent history.

Explore and Create Your Own Barrel of 2024 Wine

Despite lower yields in Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley, outstanding barrels remain available. To learn more about the differences between the much lauded 2023 and 2024 vintages or to make your own barrel of wine, email Stuart Ake at [email protected]