Hartford Court 2017 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

Aromas of black cherry, allspice, black currant and loam are followed by flavors of wild raspberries, dark berries and a crushed rock minerality. The dense entry is followed by a sweet and juicy mouth feel, supported by acidity, silky tannins and a subtle earthy finish.

“Under owner Don Hartford, winemaker Jeff Stewart continues to produce a stunning succession of Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs (as well as Zinfandels) under the Hartford Court moniker from generally cool-climate sites. His is one of the bright stars in the Kendall-Jackson portfolio of small estate wineries. Production of the 2015 Chardonnays was tiny because of poor flowering, especially on the Sonoma Coast, and quantities of all of the following Chardonnays varies from a low of 165 cases for the Jennifer’s to a full 1,200 cases for the Four Hearts (the only one actually in bottle). All of these wines are barrel-fermented, aged in 100% French oak (usually around 27-43% new), and bottled unfined and unfiltered. These exquisite wines can hold their own against the likes of Marcassin, Aubert, Kongsgaard, etc.” Robert Parker