93 POINTS -
"Offers a lively beam of crisp acidity, paired with complex and precise blueberry, raspberry, white pepper and licorice flavors that build richness toward a long finish. Drink now through 2026." - T.F. Wine Spectator, Online 2019
The 2014 Vintage of this wine scored 93 Points from Wine Spectator and was named to their Top Ten Wines of the World List for 2016.
The 2015 Vintage of this wine scored 94 Points from Wine Spectator and was listed as #21 on their Top 100 List for 2017.
Tasting Notes
The 2017 Hartford Russian River Valley Zinfandel is showing aromas of ripe plum, blackberry, and black cherry which are highlighted with hints of white pepper and allspice. Blueberry, red raspberry, nutmeg and mocha flavors lead into a long, bright finish with supple tannins.
Historic Acclaim
2017: "Outstanding" 93 points Wine Spectator, April 2019
2016: "Outstanding" 92 points Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, December 2017
2015: "Outstanding" 94 points Wine Spectator, February 2017: #21 on Top Ten List of 2017
2014: Top 100 Wine Picks of 2016 - #10 Wine Spectator, November 2016
2014: "Outstanding" 93 points Wine Spectator, June 2016
2014: "Outstanding" 94 points Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, October 2015
2014: "Outstanding" 92 points Antonio Galloni’s Vinous, February 2016
2013: "Outstanding" 93 points Antonio Galloni’s Vinous, February 2015
2012: "Outstanding" 90 points Wine Spectator, June 2015
2012: "Outstanding" 90 points Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, May 2014
2012: "Outstanding" 91 points Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, December 2013
2011: "Outstanding" 91 points Wine Spectator, February 2014
2011: "Outstanding" 90 points Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, May/June 2013
2010: "Outstanding" 91 points Wine Spectator, February 2013
2010: "Outstanding" 90 points Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, May 2012
2010: "Outstanding" 90 points Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, February 2012
2009: "Outstanding" 90 points Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, May 2011
2009: "Outstanding" 93 points Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, February 2011
2008: "Outstanding" 91 points Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, May 2010
2008: "Outstanding" 91 points Wine Spectator, June 2010
2008: "Outstanding" 91 points Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, February 2010
2007: "Outstanding" 92 points Wine Spectator, June 2009
Vineyard & Vintage Character
The Hartford Russian River Valley Zinfandel is a blend of old-vine, dry-farmed and low-yielding Zinfandel vineyards from the Russian River Valley. These old vines (average vineyard age is over 100 years) offer an impressive articulation of this idiosyncratic varietal. Zinfandel grown in the Russian River Valley is distinctive, due to a cool maritime influence. Bright, natural acidity and vibrant fruit aromas and flavors are a result of typically cool fog-laden nights and warm days. These dry-farmed vineyards, planted on low-fertility soils, consistently produce wines of exceptional density and extraction.
Winemaking
To preserve exotic spice and bright berry flavors, we use the same gentle handling techniques for making Zinfandel that we use with Pinot Noir:
- All hand harvested with hand sorting of both clusters and berries at the winery
- Pre-fermentation cold soak, indigenous yeast fermentation in small open-top fermenters
- Aged for 10 months in French oak barrels
- No fining or filtration
These artisan winemaking techniques allow the varietal character of Zinfandel to show through and express the Russian River Valley terroir.
Wine Details
Oak: 100% French oak, 51% new
Time in oak: 10 months
Alcohol: 15.6%
TA: 6.8 g/L
pH: 3.52