93POINTS
17¼/20
Hartford Court Chardonnay 2021
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe 2021 Hartford Court Russian River Valley Chardonnay is sourced from a collection of small vineyards (some estate) located throughout the Russian River Valley AVA. The various sites express the essence of the Russian River Valley, bringing long-awaited complexity and freshness to the blend. The nose is awash in jasmine flower, citrus oil, and green apple notes. The palate is a citrus-drenched pear with bits of kiwi and green apple, leading into a mineral saline finish with specks of ginger. Impressively fresh and full-flavoured, this is Grand Cru-like but more approachable. The fruit is all hand-harvested at night or early morning; it is whole-cluster pressed and barrel fermented with indigenous yeast in all French oak barrels (28% new). The ageing is nine months, with weekly lees stirring through malo-lactic fermentation. I love wines that can transform themselves over time to be better and more enjoyable.Tasted: 17 January 2023Tasted by: Anthony GismondiPrices:BC | $47.25 | 750ml | select private wine shops |
AB | $53.99 | 750ml | private wine shops |
ON | $53.95 | 750ml | B&W Wines |
Grape: ChardonnayCSPC: 442640UPC: 633072815281