2024 Sphaerics ‘On Days and Nights’ Chardonnay Russian River Valley

DEC97 From a vineyard situated in the northernmost reaches of the Russian River Valley—one of the region’s warmer enclaves—this Chardonnay is made from Wente Clone vines planted in 2004 on a steep, rocky slope. It was aged 11 months in 60% new French oak and then 5 months in stainless steel before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. The 2024 vintage is juicy and bright, with vibrant acidity and beautifully defined orchard and citrus fruit layered with a subtle kiss of vanilla and ripe pineapple. Lip-smacking tension and a gorgeous saline edge bring energy and focus, while savoury pressed white floral notes add complexity. Vivid, expressive, and mouthwatering, this wine practically calls for a meal—its saline character makes it irresistibly food-friendly. Sphaerics was founded in 2022 by Brian Ball and Laura Jones, a husband-and-wife team of wine industry veterans. The wines are made by Laura, who fine-tuned her Chardonnay and Pinot Noir winemaking skills during a 5-year tenure at Aubert and a stint at Domaine Armand Rousseau. Brian manages the business and sales for Sphaerics.
VIN95-97 The 2024 Chardonnay On Days And Nights is a notable step up from the debut 2023.
Russian River intensity comes across in a measured, perfectly calibrated framework that speaks to precise, finessed winemaking but also has a sense of soulfulness. Golden apple, sweet cream, pastry and sea salt layer atop one another in the glass. There’s real cohesion here. I suspect this will be lights-out from bottle.