Harvest 2024: A year of Bold Flavors and Ripeness in Alexander Valley
As Harvest 2024 kicks into full swing in Alexander Valley, we’re excited to share how the unique weather patterns of the year are shaping what promises to be an incredible vintage. Known for producing some of Sonoma County’s most powerful and balanced wines, Alexander Valley’s distinct climate has once again delivered in remarkable ways.
A Mild, Dry Winter
The growing season began with a mild winter, accompanied by lower-than-average rainfall. While this meant drier soils, it encouraged our vines to focus on producing smaller clusters with concentrated fruit—a hallmark of great vintages. The dry conditions helped the vines avoid excess canopy growth, which ultimately improved airflow and sunlight exposure to the grapes.
Cool Spring and Delayed Bud Break
Spring in Alexander Valley was cooler than usual, delaying bud break by a few weeks. This allowed the vines to develop slowly and evenly, ensuring that each cluster had the chance to reach full potential. While the cool temperatures required patience, it minimized the risk of frost damage and set the stage for a healthy growing season.
Warm, Dry Summer with Ideal Heat Spikes
Summer in Alexander Valley delivered warmth just when it was needed most. With its characteristic sunny days, the valley experienced moderate heat spikes that pushed ripening along without causing excessive stress to the vines. These conditions are ideal for bold red varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec. The warm temperatures ensured the development of rich flavors, balanced by the cool nights, which preserved the acidity in the grapes.
The Alexander Valley Influence: Warm Days and Cool Nights
Alexander Valley benefits from a unique combination of warm daytime temperatures and cool evening breezes, a feature that sets it apart from many other regions. This daily temperature swing has played a key role in balancing the fruit’s ripeness with vibrant acidity. While the days promoted full flavor development, the cool nights allowed the grapes to retain their structure, which is essential for age-worthy wines.
September's Perfect Ripening Weather
As harvest time approached, the valley saw warm early-September days, which helped bring several varietals to optimal ripeness. Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot ripened beautifully under these conditions, and we’ve already started bringing in clusters that show incredible potential. The fruit is showing great concentration, complexity, and balance—elements that make Alexander Valley wines so distinctive.
As we continue harvesting, we're excited to see how the 2024 vintage will evolve. Whether you enjoy bold reds or beautifully structured wines, this year's vintage is set to deliver exceptional quality that truly reflects the unique terroir of Alexander Valley.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue through harvest season!
