Thoughts from our team
2024 Vintage and Harvest Recap
“The 2024 vintage is underway, and we are just hitting our stride. The estate whites are all in, and the reds are predictably falling into place. With a consistently warm summer, blessed by cooler nights, the fruit is showing a great balance between flavor concentration and acidity. The extended forecast is in our favor as we prepare to harvest our estate Cabernets in the coming weeks.”
– Patrick Nyeholt, Associate Winemaker
A Seamless Transition from Vine to Barrel
The 2024 harvest at ELLMAN began in late August for our Sauvignon Blanc and Musqué block and extended into late September for our Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Compared to last year, this harvest came earlier and saw consistent ripening thanks to steady summer conditions.
A cool spring followed by warm, even summer days allowed the clusters to develop without setbacks, creating wines with remarkable depth and concentrated flavors. These wines will undoubtably show structure and balance, promising longevity and complexity as they develop in barrel.
An Ideal Growing Season
The 2024 growing season was defined by a replenishing winter with slightly below-average rainfall compared to previous years, around 20 inches in Napa Valley paired with tempered summer heat. These conditions allowed for even maturation across our blocks, with little heat stress. The result was balanced ripening, ensuring each grape reached its full potential, laying the foundation for a vintage of outstanding quality.
A Vintage of Distinction
The fruit harvested in 2024 displays an extraordinary vibrancy. Small, dense berries with intense concentration and perfect ripeness are the hallmark of this vintage. What sets 2024 apart is the pronounced density and purity in the fruit, showcasing a true reflection of the terroir. These characteristics are setting the stage for wines that will be expressive in their youth but are sure to evolve into something extraordinary with time.
Crafting for Tomorrow
Napa Valley winemakers are already recognizing the 2024 vintage as one that may define this decade. The wines are expected to exhibit great complexity, with refined structure and rich, layered flavors.
Our 2024 ELLMAN | Caryn Renae Sauvignon Blanc is scheduled for bottling in early spring 2025, while our reds will continue aging for 24 months or more before release in 2027-2028. This vintage is a celebration of patience and precision, and the wines will reward those who choose to age them.