Hartford Court 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 town of Forestville, the winery is about 15 miles from the cool Pacific Coast. Their wines are sourced from small, low-yielding vineyards that deliver personality-rich wines.*

The Stone Côte Vineyard is a small block within the renowned Durell Vineyard, which sits upon an ancient riverbed at the southern end of the Sonoma Coast AVA. The vineyard’s topography was shaped eons ago by a river flowing through volcanic and sedimentary rock on its way to San Pablo Bay. Tumbled and water-worn river rocks now litter the landscape and very little topsoil remains. The nutritionally challenged soils force the vines to dig deeply for nutrients and water; the stressed vines yield very small clusters with intense varietal flavors. The cool daytime temperatures and maritime breezes marry with the low-fertility soils to create an ideal site for chardonnay. The wine was aged in a combination of new (13%) and seasoned French oak for 14 months.

Check out the press!

94 points, Jeb Dunnuck:
"The 2021 Chardonnay Stone Côte Vineyard has a youthful golden hue, with aromas of fresh peach, flinty earth, and lemon rind. Full-bodied, it boasts a supple and soft texture, with round fruit up front and fresh lift on the finish. Offering a luxurious feel on the palate, with well-managed notes of sweet baking spices, honeydew melon, and wet stone, it’s long on the palate and has a good finish. Drink 2024-2030."

93 points, Decanter:
"Pineapple, bananas, coconuts and lemon cake are par for the course. So is soft, sweet lemon creme pie on the palate. Fantastic acid profile that tells the story of its vines and that of the Sonoma Coast."

ABV: 14.5%
*from winery notes