“…thrilling , brilliant…” 96pt Hartford Court Chardonnay

“Character through adversity” is the Hartford Family’s motto as they believe adversity causes the vines, and humankind alike, to adapt to their surroundings, building personality, character, and individuality.

This personality directly relates to each vineyard’s specific microclimate, shaping each vine’s past, present, and future, all detectible in their wines.

The Four Hearts Vineyard is planted with several clones, including old Wente, Sees and Rued field selections, Dijon Clone 95, and Clone 4, all fermented separately with only the best barrels making the final cuvée.

This Russian River Valley Chardonnay is densely concentrated with flavor from 40-year-old vines and a bright acidity that cuts through the creamy texture and layers of complexity, meriting an incredible 96 point score.

From Jeb Dunnuck: “Another Russian River release, the 2019 Chardonnay Four Hearts Vineyard brings plenty of ripe tropical fruit as well as medium to full body, a supple, layered mouthfeel, nicely integrated acidity, and building spice, toast, and green almond nuances. It’s another thrilling, brilliant Chardonnay from this estate. Drink bottles over the coming 5-7 years.” 96 Points

The Wine Advocate: 94 Points
Wine Enthusiast: 94 Points

FAR NIENTE
2020 CHARDONNAY 
NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $73
Members’ price: $59.99

One of Napa Valley’s most historic wineries, Far Niente, was founded in 1885 by John Benson, but with the onset of Prohibition, the winery closed in 1919. Sixty years later, Gil Nickel bought and restored the property, releasing the first vintage of Far Niente wine in the modern era, an estate-bottled 1979 Napa Valley Chardonnay that has been a namesake to the winery for over four decades.

Winery Notes: “Richly aromatic with notes of white fig, and citrus blossom, this captivating Chardonnay slowly builds on the palate, progressing from silky notes of honeydew, nectarine and lemon zest to a full finish supported by elegant, toasted oak. Crisp minerality and juicy acidity lift and support the generous fruit and provide the framework for graceful aging. This wine will continue to gain richness and complexity in the bottle and glass.”