Hartford Russian River Valley Old Vine Zinfandel 2021
(Sonoma County, California) - [DM 93] [WS 93] [JD 91]

About the Winery:
Hartford Family Winery was founded in 1994 as a result of Don and Jennifer Hartford’s appreciation for the wines, the people, and the unique vineyards near their Russian River Valley home. Located in the Sonoma County town of Forestville, the winery is about 15 miles from the cool Pacific Coast.

Their 80-100 year old Zinfandel vineyards are irreplaceable treasures. They source the Russian River Valley Zinfandel from some of the oldest Zinfandel vineyards in California. The complexity and depth of flavors from these vineyards produce the most consistently bold and unctuous Zinfandels found anywhere.

Tasting Notes:
The Hartford Russian River Valley Zinfandel is showing aromas of ripe plum, blackberry, 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.

93 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"From vines with 100 years of average age, up to 120 in the oldest vines from 60m above the valley floor, comes a mountain Zinfandel grown in cooler climes – savoury with fresh fennel frond, mint and sage with ample blackberry aromas. There is an absolute freshness to this Zinfandel, it eschews stereotypes the grape has become saddled with. Fresh evergreen tips and ripe blackberry fruits meet spiced notes of fig, clove and fresh mint – a deliciously balanced Zinfandel from these masters of Pinot and Chardonnay in Sonoma." (Oct 2023)

93 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Brambly and vibrant yet elegantly structured, with detailed blueberry and raspberry flavors accented by mineral, sandalwood and pepper notes that build toward zesty tannins. Drink now through 2032. 2,044 cases made." - TF (Oct 2023)

91 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"A deep and youthful ruby with a hint of purple, the 2021 Zinfandel Russian River Valley is ripe and juicy with boysenberry, mocha, and pine. Full-bodied, it lends a nice balance of ripe and tart fruit on the palate, with a classic feel to its fine tannins underneath a sheen of silkiness. It is ripe and rounded, with notable freshness and a good finish. Drink it over the next few years." (Jul 2023)