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.
Bright crimson in color. 15.1% ABV. Sublime nose of red fruits, peach, baking spices and pepper. Medium body with exquisite acidity. Bursting with bright, sweet fruits. Perfectly balanced. Black cherry, raspberry liqueur, anise and pepper on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Fantastic Zinfandel that is lush and rich but still refined and elegant. Best over the next 2-3 years.
My rating: 94 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 readily available and worth seeking out.