Sphaerics’ 2024 “On Days and Nights” is a small-production Russian River Valley Chardonnay that has quickly become one of the project’s most highly praised wines to date. Founded in 2022 by husband-and-wife team Brian Ball and winemaker Laura Jones, Sphaerics draws on Jones’ experience including time at Aubert and Domaine Armand Rousseau, a background that shows up here in a deliberately structured, Burgundy-leaning style.

The fruit comes from “the northernmost reaches of the Russian River Valley—one of the region’s warmer enclaves,” according to Decanter’s Jonathan Cristaldi, from Wente Clone vines planted in 2004 on “a steep, rocky slope.” The élevage is detailed and modern-classic: 11 months in 60% new French oak followed by five months in stainless steel, then bottled unfined and unfiltered (Cristaldi, Decanter). Production is tight at about 400 cases (Wine Spectator).

Across critics, the through-line is intensity held in check by acidity and mineral drive. Cristaldi calls the vintage “juicy and bright, with vibrant acidity,” layering “orchard and citrus fruit” with “a subtle kiss of vanilla and ripe pineapple,” then finishing with “lip-smacking tension and a gorgeous saline edge.” That salt-and-stone imprint shows up repeatedly: Wine Spectator’s MaryAnn Worobiec notes “an intense minerality of crushed rocks and sea salt,” while Jeb Dunnuck describes it as “vibrant, focused, salty, and bright.”

Excellent reviews are the norm here. Decanter and JamesSuckling.com both land at 97 points, with Ryan Montgomery writing it is “very well made in a Burgundy style with a kiss of the California sun,” citing “Sicilian lemons, citrus oil, wet river stones… and flint,” and noting it’s “sitting on the edge of reduction.” Vinous’ Billy Norris (95–97) calls it “a notable step up” and predicts it will be “lights-out from bottle,” highlighting “golden apple, sweet cream, pastry and sea salt.” Drink windows vary, from Wine Spectator’s now–2033 to Dunnuck’s 2026–2040, suggesting both early appeal and real aging capacity.