Harvest 2024 has been a swift yet exceptionally promising year!
I’m excited to share some behind-the-scenes updates with you as we wrap up this incredible season. Each year brings its own unique challenges and rewards, and 2024 was no different for Six Cloves. Thankfully, Mother Nature was kind to us, and the fruits we’ve brought into the winery are some of the best we’ve seen in recent memory!
Weather & Growing Season
This year’s growing season offered near-perfect conditions. After abundant winter rainfall, and warm temperature in spring, summer arrived with some heat, but overall, temperatures were moderate enough to allow the fruit to develop at an ideal pace. This led to exceptional flavor concentration and balanced acidity across all varietals, despite the warmer season.
The Vineyard: Focus on Linda Vista Chardonnay
Our Linda Vista Vineyard Chardonnay has been a standout this harvest!
The cooling influence of the San Pablo Bay helped preserve the fruit’s bright acidity while adding complexity and balance to its flavors. The fruit arrived in pristine condition, with ideal sugar levels and acidity, promising a 2024 vintage that will be both vibrant and beautifully age-worthy. Expect hallmark Linda Vista flavors: luscious citrus fruits, high-toned acidity, and a distinct brightness—thanks to Mother Nature and the dedication of team Matthiasson!
Red Varietals: Exceptional Structure and Depth
Our Pinot Noir from Alder Springs Vineyard from Mendocino and the newly added Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma Valley—grown organically by our friends Shaunt and Diego—have also excelled this year. Both were harvested in excellent condition between late August and mid-September. We're particularly excited about the Massale selection, a field blend Pinot Noir from Alder Springs, a co-fermented blend of four different clones with whole clusters. Early post-fermentation tastings reveal brilliant color, fresh fruit notes, a well-integrated mouthfeel, and structured tannins. We’re confident these 2024 reds will age beautifully, showcasing the finesse that defines Six Cloves’ signature style.
What’s Next?
All three lots have completed primary fermentation and are now undergoing malolactic fermentation in barrels. We’ll continue to monitor their progress over the winter. We can’t wait for you to taste these wines, which will be released in 2025.
In the meantime, get ready for the upcoming 2023 Vintage Release at the end of this month, just in time for the holiday season. I’m thrilled for you to try them—early tastings show incredible potential from this cool-climate vintage, with excellent aging potential.
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