A new offering, the 2005 Chardonnay Four Hearts is a 11,000-case cuvee of stunning Chardonnay. Beautiful aromas of honeysuckle, peach blossoms, poached pears, and subtle wood are present in this well-made, elegant, crisp, aromatically expressive white. Medium to full-bodied, long, and pure, it should provide plenty of pleasure over the next 3-4 years. This is one of my favorite wineries for Burgundian-styled Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs as well as full-throttle Zinfandels (although the 2005s are lighter than usual). Don Hartford and Jess Jackson have incredible access to some fabulous vineyards. Previously recommended: 2003 Chardonnay Seascape (96), 2003 Chardonnay Stone Cote (94+), 2003 Chardonnay Three Jacks (96), 2003 Pinot Noir Arrendell Vineyard (91), 2003 Pinot Noir Seascape (90), 2004 Zinfandel Russian River (93), 2004 Zinfandel Dina’s Vineyard (90?), 2004 Zinfandel Fanucchi-Wood Road Vineyard (94), 2004 Zinfandel Hartford Vineyard (91), 2004 Zinfandel Highwire Vineyard (91). Tel. (800) 588-0234; Fax (800) 600-5895

This isn’t one of Hartford’s single-vineyard Chards, but a blend from around RRV. It’s a very elegant, balanced wine, with complexity and charm; 100% barrel fermented, it shows oak-influenced flavors of Meyer lemons, pineapple sorbet and rich Gravenstein apple butter.——S.H.(4/1/2007)—— 91