The 2011 Chardonnay Four Hearts Vineyards is striking in its beauty. Dried pears, flowers, spices and a hint of French oak are all woven together in a gorgeous wine that captures the essence of Chardonnay from this specific part of the Russian River. Clean veins of minerality frame the saline, bracing finish. The Four Hearts is one of the very finest California Chardonnays readers will find in this price range. Most of the fruit comes from Tom Dehlinger, so the quality level here is hardly surprising. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018.
Proprietor Don Hartford and winemaker Jeff Stewart have done a fabulous job with these new releases. It is rare for a winery to excel with so many different wines across three varieties and a bevy of sites. Each of these wines is unique and distinctive, not to mention that virtually all of the wines are immensely pleasing as well. This year, I was especially taken with the 2011 Zinfandels, wines that all have tremendous energy and vibrancy. At times, the Hartford Zinfandels can be quite Pinot-like in style.
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