Library Selections
"As for the 2014 Pinot Noir MacLean’s Block, this emerges from a gentle east-facing slope east of Occidental. Made from clones 67 and 777, the wine is a stunner, with notes of forest floor, white flowers, black cherries and raspberries. The gorgeous fruit follows through on the medium to full-bodied palate with impressive purity, texture and length. This wine should drink nicely young and keep for at least a decade." - Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, October 2016
"Dark red cherries, plums, lavender and sweet spices make a hugely positive first impression in the 2013 Jolene's Vineyard Zinfandel. Violets, smoke, mint and darker stone fruits develop in the glass, all supported by veins of bright acidity and tannin, both of which help convey freshness. This old-vine site on Olivet Road confers tons of pure personality."
- Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2015
"The 2012 Zinfandel Jolene's Vineyard (300 cases produced) is a big, blockbuster effort. It possesses an unctuous texture as well as a huge nose of black raspberry, black cherry and floral notes with some charcuterie, roasted meat and brouquet rani in the background. Enjoy this supply, full-throttle red over the next 5-6 years. - Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, December 2013
"Freshly cut flowers, sweet red berries, mint and cinnamon are laced together in the 2013 Pinot Noir Marin County. This floral, savory, mid-weight Pinot is an excellent choice for drinking over the next few years." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2015
"The 2014 Seascape Vineyard Chardonnay is from one of the coldest vineyards in all of Northern California. On a ridgetop close to the town of Occidental, facing Bodega Bay in the Pacific Ocean, it is often the last to ripen – and sometimes as late as late October or November. A deep golden color, exotic tropical fruits, crushed rocks, and an almost saltiness characterize this rather nutty and strikingly Meursault-like Chardonnay that will be somewhat controversial compared to the more classic aromas and
flavors of the other five offerings, but it is still a brilliant, somewhat idiosyncratic Chardonnay in the lineup of the Hartford Court wines. Drink it over the next 4-5 years." - Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, October, 2015
"The 2014 Pinot Noir Seascape Vineyard is round, polished and seductive, with lovely mid-palate pliancy and plenty of generosity. Spice, new leather and menthol wrap around the inviting finish. Rose petal, savory herbs and mint add the closing layers of nuance." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous, February 2016
"True to its Carneros roots, the 2013 Sevens Bench Pinot Noir carries the hallmark of the region – fruit intensity balanced by an earthy and savory side. The aromas open with black cherry and boysenberry and lead into subtle mushroom and spice characters. The flavors are reminiscent of black cherry and Asian spice, with a subtle tea and spice component driven by a small amount of whole-cluster fermentation. The wine finishes with a juiciness and elegant tannins in the finish." - Jeff Stewart, Winemaker
"True to its Carneros roots, the 2013 Sevens Bench Chardonnay carries the hallmark of the region – fruit intensity balanced by good acidity. The aromas are driven by classic lemon drop, Meyer lemon and a sweet tangerine character. That fruit style follows in the flavors, with the citrus focus carrying through with candied lemon drop balanced by the nice acidity and mineral characters inherent to the region and the clonal selections. Barrel fermentation characters are in the background, adding more complexity to this elegant wine." - Jeff Stewart, Winemaker
