The 2008 Pinot Noir MacLean’s Block comes from an east-facing slope not far from the town of Occidental. Another wine that is neither fined nor filtered, it displays a dark ruby hue as well as a lush texture and hints of pomegranate, raspberry, black cherry, toasty oak and earth. It should drink well for 3-4 years.
Owned by Jess Jackson and Don Hartford and assisted by winemaker Jeff Mangalas, Hartford Court is one of the bright shining stars in Jess Jackson Family Vineyard’s impressive portfolio. All three Chardonnays come from cool climate sites, either the Sonoma Coast or the Green Valley. I tasted five 2008 Pinot Noirs, a challenging vintage for some producers but Hartford Court had no smoke issues.
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