Francis Ford Coppola Reserve Viognier 2024

“Lively aromatic notes of apricot, tropical fruit and honey provide the sensory gateway to the Francis Coppola Reserve Viognier. Elegant flavors of orange blossom, musk and honey tantalize the palate with a nice acid backbone. Mid-palate is round and bold, leading to a long, lingering finish.”

100% barrel aged for approximately 5 months, primarily in French oak barrels. 

The Russian River Valley is known for its cool mornings and warm afternoons, creating ideal conditions for Viognier grapes to achieve a harmonious balance of acidity and ripeness. This vineyard benefits from excellent drainage and natural balance, supporting healthy vines and producing high-quality fruit. The grapes were hand-harvested in the early morning hours and transported directly to the winery to preserve their freshness and integrity.

Following a historically late 2023 season, 2024 marked a dramatic shift, with ripening progressing much more rapidly across all North Coast regions. Bloom, fruit set, and veraison were notably compressed due to warmer temperatures from May through July. Elevated temperatures –frequently reaching the mid-90s and above in June – reduced cluster size after set, resulting in a lighter crop heading into harvest. Overall, 2024 stands out as a high-quality vintage, with cellar teams performing exceptionally well under tight timelines to process a large volume of fruit efficiently.