Zinfandel of the Month is a regular feature on Zinfandel Chronicles. Keep in mind that although the Zinfandel of the Month might be an older bottle, the current vintage will be one you can find at retail or via the mailing list.
The May Zinfandel of the Month is the 2021 Hartford Family Winery Zinfandel Russian River Valley Old Vine.
I chose this wine as my Zinfandel of the month as the 2021 vintage was recently released after the winery skipped the 2020 vintage due to the fires that year. Recent vintages of this wine including the 18 and 19 were sublime.
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. Jeff Stewart is the Hartford Family Winemaker.
Dark red in color. 15.5% ABV. Stunning nose of red fruits, peach and baking spices. Medium body with perfect acidity and balance. Bursting with bright juicy fruits. Cherry, raspberry, blood orange and white pepper on the palate. The finish is long and spicy. Charming Zinfandel that I will look forward to following over the next 3-5 years.
My rating: 93 points.
Hartford is on a great run with their Russian River Valley Old Vine Zinfandel since the ’14 vintage. It is now a must buy for me every vintage. The ’21 version, at $40 or so a bottle, is worth the hunt.