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.

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.