94 POINTS -
EDITOR'S CHOICE "This is an outstanding appellation wine, made in larger quantities at a remarkably fair price. Grapes come from throughout the diverse valley and the wine barrel fermented and given nine months to rest. Full-bodied, layered, and widely appealing, it shows a density of peach, pear, baking spice, and sweet oak, all of the components coming together seamlessly at the end. - Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast, August 2020
Tasting Notes
The 2018 Hartford Court Russian River Valley Chardonnay offers subtle aromas of jasmine flower, citrus oil, green apple, and pear. The elegant aromatics are complemented by fresh kiwi, lemon drop, and green apple flavors. The fruit-focused mid-palate is followed by subtle mineral notes and a hint of crystallized ginger in the finish.
Historic Acclaim
2018: #44 on Top 100 List, Wine Spectator, December 2020
2017: 94 points “Outstanding” jebdunnuck.com, June 2019
2017: 91 points “Outstanding” Antonio Galloni, Vinous, May 2019
2014: “Five Stars” Exceptional, Restaurant Wine, September 2016
2013: 90 points California Grapevine, March 2015
2012: 90 points Natalie MacLean, February 2015
2011: “Excellent” The Washington Post, May 2013
2010: “Four Stars” 91 points, Beverage Dynamics, April 2013
2010: “Four Stars” Highly Recommended, The Press Democrat, February
Vineyard & Vintage Character
The 2018 Hartford Court Russian River Valley Chardonnay is sourced from a collection of small vineyards located throughout the Russian River Valley AVA. These vineyards are a combination of our Estate properties such as Jennifer’s, Fog Dance, Bellflower, and Arrendell as well as a handful of our neighbors’ vineyards located in the heart of the Russian River Valley. The sites express the essence of the Russian River Valley by showcasing the best of the sub-regions within our AVA:
Middle Reach – Ripe fruits, honeysuckle, and jasmine characters.
Green Valley – Citrus, lemon drop candy, and green apple aromas and flavors.
Laguna Ridge – Baked apple and pear, layered texture, crystallized ginger finish.
Sebastopol Hills – Bright citrus oil aromatics with focused acidity and lemon-lime flavors.
Each sub-region brings complexity and character to the final blend.
Wine Details
Barrel fermented in 100 % French Oak; 25% new
Time in Oak: 10 months
TA: 5.4 g/L
pH: 3.45
Alcohol: 14.5%