2006 Hartford Court Chardonnay, Four Hearts Vineyard

At last, a white wine. Honestly, I don't know why I have been avoiding them as much as I have. Well perhaps the winter just makes reds sound so much better. Anyway, let's bring out the 2006 Hartford Court Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley.

First off, why is this named Four Hearts? Well, the wine emanates from estate and neighboring vineyards located in the four key regions that form the heart of the Russian River Valley AVA; the Middle Reach, Laguna Ridge, Green Valley and the Santa Rosa Bench. The soil is a mixture of ash and lava from ancient volcanoes plus alluvial gravel from rivers and streams. The vineyards are planted with very distinctive Chardonnay clonal selections that range from the Old Wente and Rued Chardonnay field selections, to Dijon Clone 96, and Dijon Clone 76. Then only the best barrels from each lot are blended to make the final bottling.

The Hartford Court Four Hearts Vineyards Chardonnay has a weighty texture with spicy and layered flavors and finishes with a brightness that reflects the cool climate origins of these stellar vineyards. 100% barrel fermented, 100% malolactic with weekly lees stirring in the barrel. There's aromas and flavors of tropical fruit, white peach, citrus blossom, Asian pear and candied lemon. It then gives way to a rich, full-bodied and weighty mid-palate, followed by a layered, spice infused finish. Subtle wood, a chewy texture, and a good finish with fresh acidity and depth.

2006: 91 Points, Wine Advocate, December 2007
2006: 91 Points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar May 2008