The 2005 Pinot Noir Far Coast Vineyard is an exceptional Pinot Noir. Dark ruby in color, with a beautiful nose of rose petals, strawberry and cherry jam, forest floor, and peat moss, the wine also has an undeniable minerality about its character, with great fruit, terrific texture, and a long finish. This is a superb Pinot that should drink nicely for 5-6 years. New winemaker Jeff Mangahas has replaced the talented Mike Sullivan and has turned out a bevy of impressive wines. Hartford Court is undeniably one of the gems in Jess Jackson’s portfolio of boutique wineries. Tel. (800) 588-0234; Fax (800) 600-5895

This is from the winery’s Annapolis vineyard. It’s a very fine and interesting Pinot, showing the acidic, elegant structure of true coast Pinot, and exotic flavors of wild raspberries, red cherries, licorice, sweet leather, tea and Asian spices. All this, in a lightly silky, eminently drinkable texture.——S.H.(11/1/2007)—— 93