2024
In the early weeks of 2024, we experienced elevated levels of rainfall compared to previous years, which helped ensure adequate ground water reserves as the year began. As in 2023, bud break began on the later side, with the vines awakening on the Estate at the end of March and into April. The cool spring allowed for even and successful flowering, and led into a moderately warm summer.
In typical fashion, the first fruit of the season was Pinot Noir from the Alberigi vineyard picked on August 26th. Going into the fall, the weather warmed further and stayed consistent, resulting in a compact harvest. Once the fruit started coming in, it did not let up, and we steadily processed fruit for the next few weeks. Quickly following the first pick was most of the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay across the Sonoma Coast and Anderson Valley, with the Estate Riesling closing out the first wave.
We saw a small break between the cooler varietals and the heavier reds, with some of the Zinfandel and Syrah from the Estate joining the action near the end of September. These were soon followed by the last Pinot Noir pick of the season from the cool Dierke vineyard. By the end of September, we had picked the remaining Estate Zinfandel and Syrah, with the last fruit—Dusty Lane Syrah—harvested on October 4th.
Overall, we saw a modest increase in yields in 2024, with fruit reaching ideal phenological maturity with uniformity. The warmer weather in late summer and early fall was balanced by the cooling nighttime temperatures that are such a hallmark of western Sonoma County. These large diurnal shifts helped preserve acidity all the way through harvest, resulting in highly expressive wines that will continue to charm with time in bottle.
