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"This beautiful wine competes with wines costing 2-3 times the price." Jeb Dunnuck
 

Hartford Court Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2018

Sale for Everyone - $27.99!!! 

95 pts Jeb Dunnuck

I've touched on this recently with another Hartford offering, so I will summarize here... forget everything you think you know about "California" Pinot Noir versus "Oregon" Pinot Noir. Especially when crafted with such care as goes into this baby... the grapes are hand-harvested at NIGHT to preserve acidity and freshness. The grapes are sourced from small vineyards such as Barbieri, Bellflower, Fog Dance, Hailey’s Block, Jennifer’s, MacLean’s Block and Arrendell, all located mere miles from the Pacific Ocean.  With the maritime influence and the winemakers restrained hand, we get a wine that offers the best of California.  The oak regime, 11 months in just 29% new oak, is even less than that of many our best-selling Oregon Pinot Noirs, like Soter Mineral Springs, Arterberry Maresh, and Beaux Freres.  The total acidity of 5.70 g/L , and a pH of 3.51 (high acidity) is also indistinguishable.  At 14.5% alcohol, it clocks in just ½ percentage point higher than most Oregon gems. Basically, if I brown-bagged this and told you to guess Oregon or California, I would wager a coin-flip would be as good a predictor. 

Now... the wine... As I said, this is sourced from small vineyards located throughout the Russian River. According to winemaker Jeff Stewart , the sites
express the essence of the Russian River Valley by showcasing the best of the neighborhoods within their AVA:

• Green Valley – Keen acidity, spice, red fruits, blood orange.
• Laguna Ridge – Dark berry and cherry aromas and flavors, subtle loamy character.
• Sebastopol Hills – Dark color, purple flowers, Indian spices and precise mouth feel.
• Santa Rosa Plains – Deep red and black cherry, fruit focused with supple tannins.

“Starting with the 2018 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley, which comes from multiple sites and was brought up in 27% new French oak, it has a vivid ruby hue to go with classic Russian River notes of mulled cherry and raspberry fruits, cola, spice box, and dried herbs. Medium-bodied, round, and beautifully textured, it's a totally charming, balanced, elegant Pinot Noir that punches way above its weight." JD

“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.”  winemaker note


Or reply. The wine will be available Friday in both stores, as ordered.