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.
Crimson in color. 15.5% ABV. Gorgeous nose of red fruits, peach, baking spices and pepper. Medium body with mouth watering acidity. Bursting with bright, juicy fruits. Impeccably balanced. Cherry, raspberry, plums and pepper on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. Less precocious than a bottle a year ago but still a stunner.
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 ’22 version, at $40 or so a bottle, is readily available and worth seeking out.