Highwire Vineyard | Hartford Family Winery

Wines From This Vineyard

2023 Hartford Highwire Vineyard Zinfandel

94 Points

"A darker magenta/ruby color, the 2023 Zinfandel Highwire Vineyard has more depth, with notes of espresso, black cherry liqueur, graphite, cracked pepper, and polished leather. The palate is tangy and ripe with full-bodied richness and an underlying coating texture, with ripe tannins and a plush feel on the finish. There’s more depth and complexity to this wine, and I would be interested in revisiting it in a few years as it sheds its more primary fruit and develops more interesting spice and mineral tones. Drink 2026-2038" - Audrey Frick, jebdunnuck.com, July 2025

$65

QTY

Over 100 years old, the Highwire Vineyard takes its name from the vineyard’s trellising systems: half of the parcel is head-trained and half is trained on a high wire trellis strung between each vine. This trellising method was implemented by the previous vineyard owner, Lloyd and Dee Chelli to permit greater sun exposure and promote even ripening. Both sections of the vineyard are harvested and aged separately to ensure that we capture all characteristics of the Highwire Vineyard Zinfandel. Cool nights in the Russian River Valley help retain bright acidity, while double sorting removes less ripe berries and raisins, retaining a fresh fruit focus.

The Chelli family cares deeply for the old vines behind their home. Their dedicated approach to farming is reflected in the character of the wine produced from their vineyard. Hartford Family Winery purchased the Highwire Vineyard from the Chelli’s in 2018, and Lloyd and Dee still live on the property and watch over this historic vineyard every day!