2023 Hartford Court Sevens Bench Vineyard Pinot Noir
95 points, Audrey Frick
$78
750ml
True to its Carneros roots, the 2023 Sevens Bench Pinot Noir carries the hallmark of the region-fruit intensity balanced by an earthy and savory side. The aromas open with raspberry and boysenberry, and lead into subtle truffle and spice characters. The flavors are reminiscent of black cherry and Asian spice; a subtle black tea component is driven by a small amount of whole-cluster fermentation. The wine finishes with juiciness and elegant tannin.
95 points, Audrey Frick
"
The 2023 Pinot Noir Sevens Bench Vineyard from Carneros is a jeweled ruby color and takes on notes of dark wild black raspberries, mossy earth, and fresh violets as well as savory but fresh hints of porcini. Medium-bodied, it has more richness, with ripe tannins and a savory, snappy, iron-rich feel that closes it out and accents the finish. It has a deeper feel but remains refreshing and is going to drink well over the coming 15 years."
Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck.com, July 2025
Historical Acclaim
- V. 2023: 95 points, Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck.com, July 2025
- V. 2023: 93 points, Courtney Humiston, JamesSuckling.com, November 2025
- V. 2023: 93 points, Billy Norris, Vinous, January 2026
- V. 2023: 92 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, February 2026
- V. 2022: 93 points, Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck.com, June 2024
- V. 2022: 90 points, Elaine Chukan Brown, Wine Enthusiast Magazine, September 2024
- V. 2021: 94 points, Erin Brooks, Robert Parker Wine Advocate, October 2024
- V. 2021: 91 points, Jim Gordon, Wine Enthusiast Magazine, January 2024
- V. 2019: 93 points, Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast Magazine, September 2022
- V. 2019: 93 points, Erin Brooks, Robert Parker Wine Advocate, July 2022
- V. 2019: 93 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2023
- V. 2019: 93 points, Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck.com, August 2022
- V. 2018: 94 points, Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com, July 2021
- V. 2018: 92 points, Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast Magazine, September 2021
- V. 2018: 92 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker Wine Advocate, January 2021
- V. 2018: 91 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous, July 2021
- V. 2018: 90 points, Joshua Greene, Wine & Spirits, April 2021
- V. 2017: 94+ points, Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com, May 2020
- V. 2017: 93 points, Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast Magazine, September 2020
- V. 2017: 92 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker Wine Advocate, February 2020
- V. 2017: 91 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous, April 2020
- V. 2016: 92+ points, Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com, June 2019
- V. 2015: 93 points, Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast Magazine, July 2018
- V. 2009: 90 points, Antonio Galloni, Robert Parker Wine Advocate, February 2012
- V. 2008: 90 points, Robert M. Parker Jr., Robert Parker Wine Advocate, February 2011
- V. 2007: 94 points, Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast Magazine, April 2010
Vineyard & Vintage Character
Intensive farming and low yields are the foundations of our Carneros offering. The vineyard is on a ridge at 200-foot elevation, part of an uplifted riverbed that allows good drainage in the traditional clay-based soils of the region. The name Sevens Bench is derived from the two clones planted on our block: Clones 37 (Mount Eden) and Dijon 777. We also blend in the Swan Selection Pinot noir for complexity.
Hand harvested at night. Clusters and individual berries are hand sorted before fermentation in small open top fermentors. Native primary and ML. 14-21 day fermentation with daily punchdowns. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
