How the 2024 Vintage Shaped an Elegant Russian River Valley Chardonnay

After an exceptionally cool and late 2023 vintage, the 2024 growing season brought a return to more typical conditions in Russian River Valley. Generous winter rainfall, a mild spring and warm summer helped set the stage for a healthy crop, while careful vineyard management through periods of summer heat preserved the freshness and acidity essential to Jordan’s style.

Here are four factors that shaped the 2024 Jordan Russian River Valley Chardonnay.

Generous Rainfall Gave Vines a Strong Start

After years of drought, the North Coast received a second consecutive year of generous rainfall. From January through April alone, 27 inches of rain replenished vineyard soils. With soils at full water-holding capacity from bud break through bloom and no significant frost events, the vines entered the growing season with healthy, balanced growth.

Growers Managed the Summer Heat

July brought several days of temperatures above 100 degrees. Jordan’s growers closely managed irrigation to help protect the vines from heat stress. While the warm conditions initially pointed toward an early harvest, the heat temporarily slowed vine development, ultimately bringing ripening back to a more typical timeline.

Greater Clonal Diversity Added Complexity

The 2024 Jordan Chardonnay was sourced from 21 vineyard blocks across 11 Russian River Valley vineyards and included 10 different chardonnay clones. This greater clonal diversity brings additional nuance and consistency to the blend, supporting the balance and elegance inspired by Burgundy while contributing a distinctive mineral character to the finished wine.

A Delicate Approach Let the Fruit Shine

Harvest began on August 29 and concluded September 17, about five weeks earlier than the exceptionally late 2023 harvest. In the cellar, malolactic fermentation was limited to 19%, while four months of sur lie aging added a subtle creaminess without masking the wine’s vibrant fruit. The finished chardonnay is bright and refined, with citrus, Asian pear and Meyer lemon complemented by minerality, vibrant acidity and a silky texture.