Highwire Vineyard | Hartford Family Winery

Wines From This Vineyard

2021 Hartford Highwire Vineyard Zinfandel

96 Points

"I really love the perfume of the 2021 Zinfandel Highwire Vineyard, which has the scent of walking into the forest after a fresh rainfall. Pouring a saturated ruby-purple, notes of blackberry, candied raspberry, and forest herbs are followed by a medium to full-bodied red with a bit more linear and fresh spine of acidity. It packs in compelling structure, with fine tannins and a brightness to the fruit that is long on the palate, revealing notes of fresh peach, dusty soils, and sweet herbs. This may be my favorite of these Zinfandel offerings from Hartford." - Audrey Frick, jebdunnuck.com, July 2023

$65

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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!