Founded in 1993 by Don and Jennifer Hartford, the Hartford Court bottlings are small lots of high-personality single vineyard Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays that express the distinctive qualities inherent to each vineyard's terroir. There is an interplay of soil, slope, exposure, and climate. The fruit is sourced from Russian River Valley, Green Valley, and Sonoma Coast appellations. The Chenin Blanc is made from the Jurassic Vineyard located in Sante Ynez Valley AVA. The Jurassic Vineyard is situated at an elevation of about 1000 ft. The name pays tribute to the fossil-rich soils of the area. This own-rooted vineyard was planted in 1982 on very well-drained sandy and limestone-laden soils.

The Hartford Court Chenin Blanc opens with a beautiful straw color in the glass. The aromas are lovely, delicate, and floral with notes of lemon zest, white flowers and minerality. On the palate, the Chenin Blanc shows its character with a lightness, texture, and elegance. The acidity is bright and is complemented by a chalky minerality that leads to a dryer finish. I truly enjoyed the Hartford Court Chenin Blanc. This wine's character captures the flavors and texture of Chenin Blanc grown in limestone soil with cool breezes coming off the Pacific Ocean. A well done effort by the winemaking team at Hartford Court!

By Perry Miroballi