1 bottle of each of the following is included in this Special Priced 4-Pack:
Sphaerics ‘Overline’ Carneros Chardonnay 2023
Just across from Hudson Vineyard, lies Overline, the source of this Chardonnay that shows classic Napa Carneros qualities—fresh tangerine, vanilla bean, guava, and frangipane. What is so enticing about this wine is its ripe fruit and round palate paired with its energetic spine. The modest 50% new oak contributes to the verve. 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.
Sphaerics ‘On Days and Nights’ Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2023
The warm Russian River days show through the rich mid-palate of this wine. However, there is also a lovely mineral sense, courtesy of the steep rocky soil found in its vineyard. With 11 months in 60% new oak, the result is a robust, yet still elegant expression with notes of white flower, musk, lemon oil, and green apple. If you love Russian River, this is a must-try.
Sphaerics ‘If and Only If’ Upper Barn Vineyard Chardonnay 2023
We’re privy to an abundance of beautiful land in our area, but there are certain sites that seem to exude a sort of magic. Due to a specific and happenstance convergence of soil type, climate, sun exposure, and perhaps a little je ne sais quoi, these pieces of land produce fruit that has the capability to ascend to ethereality in precise and proper hands. Upper Barn is one such site. The specific parcel comprising ‘If and Only If,’ is home to the original vines, planted in 1982 and used for the historic Marcassin and Peter Michael Chardonnays in the 1990s. While the 2022 was already kissing perfection, the 2023 may even surpass the original effort. The cool, long growing season has leant even more complexity to this bottling. There are layers of minerality supporting the unapologetic richness. This is the next California classic.
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.
In the 2023 vintage, they added single-vineyard Chardonnays from Carneros and Russian River Valley. Following their stellar 2022 debut, we expected greatness, but each wine’s distinct character exceeded expectations. A masterclass in terroir, these wines are both precise and irresistibly drinkable— ones we’d love to enjoy every day.
