Last Week's Tasting
Hartford Court Pinots, Chardonnay & a Zin
March 24, 2026
with Don Hartford
Founded in 1994, Hartford Court s a bastion of fine Sonoma wines. Founder-owner Don Hartford is very hands-on. Critics love his wines for their consistency in craft and reflecting sources with a judicious use of flavor-enhancing oak. His wines are as user-friendly as he is in person.
Don uses native fermentations and modest use of new oak in elevage. Chardonnays and Pinots see several months in barrel, while Zinfandels see 9-10 months.
We tasted his basic chardonnay, along with one from a single vineyard. The reds will include his Russian River Pinot, as well as two that reflect their single sites and a less usual, sleek Russian River Zinfandel.
These are fine wines for Easter ham , the richer pinots and Zinfandel with lamb.
Favorites aside from the basic Russian River Chardonnay and Pinot (Our special Discounts continue through the end of this week, were the burgundy-like Four Hats Chardonnay, The forward and instantly agreeable Lands Edge Pinot Noir, and the surprisingly nuanced and complex Zinfandel.
White
2024 Chardonnay Russian River
Color: very light gold green; Aroma: heady sweet oak, citrus and quince; Mouth: clean and smooth rounded flashy oak inflected fruit; Very Good Plus Normally $34 this week $29.95; Case, $24.99
The 2021 Chardonnay Four Hearts Vineyard Russian River
Wine Advocate “barrel fermented and matured for eight months in 28% new French oak. It’s coiled on the nose with delicate scents of lemon peel, oyster shell, crème fraîche and nutmeg. The light-bodied palate pairs bright, citrusy flavors with youthful allspice tones. It has a silky texture, energetic acidity and a mineral-driven finish. Drink 2024 - 2034
Wine Spectator “Juicy and precise, offering ginger, Honeysuckle and lemon blossom notes. Accents of fresh-cut apple, lemon meringue, salted butter shortbread cookie and warm spices linger on the crisp, fresh finish. Drink now. $44, Case $37
Red
2023 Pinot Noir Russian River
Vinous “a classic wine from this appellation. Exuberant and fruit-forward in its bouquet, it’s more restrained and cohesive on the palate. Gentle acids and powdery tannins carry the 2023 through the finish, leaving behind echoes of brambly fruit and grilled herbs. It’s another Hartford wine with impressive balance.
Wine Spectator “Juicy and lively, with dark cherry paste and bramble notes that knit well, while iris, rose hip and violet fill in throughout. An apple wood accent frames the finish judiciously. Drink now through 2032. Normally $42, This week $37, Case $31
2022 Pinot Noir Lands Edge Sonoma Coast
Cool-climate California Pinot, lighter and sprightlier, pure pleasure
Color: bright more clarity than Muldune Trail; Aroma: keen over deep fruit with a very light oak note, soft berry side of Pinot; Mouth: clean pure pinot, lighter fine acidity forward and rich, clean bright acid on the finish, long; Very Good - Excellent $54; Case, $46
2022 Pinot Noir Muldune Trail Anderson Valley
A bigger , more muscular Pinot with lots of depth that wants some airing before drinking.
Color: medium dark, semiopaque; Aroma: initially reticent, heady and sweet very intense full fruited, plummy with a light herbal note and the support of a rounded acid core, later more lifted ethereal notes emerge; Mouth: clean dense sweet ripe fruit over a finely grained tannins, good length, takes a while to open; Very Good - Excellent $89; Case, $76
2023 Zinfandel Russian River
From cooler Russian river than most Zins, without any loss of character
Vinous “all old-school cool. Rustic and savory, it charms with shades of cracked black pepper, garrigue, wild herbs and crunchy red raspberry, all put together in a deceptively mid-weight frame. There’s so much character here, not to mention freshness to burn.” $53, Case $45
Hartford Court Case Special, two each of the wines $620- $525
Hartford Case Sampler, one each of the wines $275
Or mix your own case at the wines' case prices
Len Rothenberg
Order by phone at 617.367.8605, or reserve here: Click to Order
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