Sphaerics‘overline’ Carneros Chardonnay 2024

Just across from Hudson Vineyard, lies Overline, the source of this Chardonnay that shows classic Napa Carneros qualities. The 2024 vintage is incredibly fresh and bright, showcasing the maritime-influenced energy of the region with notes of lemon curd, white peach, and a distinct saline minerality. Sporting a judicious 50% new French oak, this leans toward a sleek Chablis-like profile that remains fresh from the first sip to the long, flinty finish. This is a sophisticated, site-driven Chardonnay for fans of high-tension whites. With only 240 cases produced and punching far above its weight class, we wouldn’t be surprised to see this is the next Chardonnay to sell out vintage after vintage.

New Releases from Chardonnay Icon Sphaerics
It’s no secret that Sphaerics Chardonnay by Laura Jones and Brian Ball was one of our top debut releases last year. Laura, formerly Aubert’s winemaker and currently Skipstone’s, and Brian, the GM of Skipstone, began the Sphaerics label when they accessed fruit from the best parcel in Alexander Valley’s Upper Barn Vineyard to produce their ‘If and Only If’ Chardonnay. This specific section of the historic vineyard, untouched by replanting, boasts original vines that once supplied Marcassin and Peter Michael in the 1990s. Their winemaking approach mirrors that of classic Burgundy estates, employing whole-cluster pressing, native yeast fermentation, and a slow, cool fermentation process.