Hartford Court: Crafting Small Batch, Single Vineyard Wines
Historyโจ
Hartford Court Winery, established in 1994 by Don and Jennifer Hartford, is family run winery, located in Sonoma County's Russian River Valley. The winery's roots are deeply intertwined with the Jackson Family Wines group; Jennifer is the daughter of Jess Jackson, founder of the renowned Kendall-Jackson winery. This familial connection enriches Hartford Court's commitment to artisanal winemaking and sustainable practices, focusing on the unique terroirs of California.
The Hartford familyโs passion for high-quality wine led them to cultivate their vineyards, emphasizing small-batch production that celebrates the distinctive characteristics of each site. With a dedication to crafting exceptional wines, Hartford Court has become a notable name in the world of fine wine, reflecting a rich lineage of winemaking tradition.
Vineyard Holdingsโจ
Hartford Court farms approximately 162 hectares in total, with a focus on cultivating low-yield vineyards. The winery sources grapes from multiple prestigious AVAs, including the Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, and Anderson Valley, among others. The vineyards are often small, producing limited quantities of wine, with single vineyard bottlings typically ranging from 93 to 800 cases each.
Viticulture Techniquesโจ
The winery employs sustainable farming practices, emphasizing organic and biodynamic methods. The vineyards are managed with minimal intervention, allowing the land's natural characteristics to shine through. Key practices include:
- Tight Vine Spacing: Promotes competition, resulting in smaller clusters and intensified flavors.
- Low Yields: Typically yielding from 7 to 30 hectoliters per hectare, contributing to the concentration of flavors.
- Dry Farming: Some vineyards are not irrigated, enhancing the depth of flavor.
- Harvest by Taste: Grapes are harvested based on optimal flavor profiles rather than solely on sugar levels.
Winemaking Techniquesโจ
Hartford Court follows traditional winemaking methods:
- Hand Harvesting: Grapes are meticulously picked and sorted to ensure quality.
- Cold Soaking: A five-day cold soak precedes fermentation, enhancing flavor extraction and mouthfeel.
- Native Yeasts: Both primary and secondary fermentations utilize native yeasts, reflecting the vineyardโs terroir.
- French Oak Aging: Wines are aged in tightly grained French oak barrels for 11 to 15 months, with a careful selection of new oak.
Wine Portfolioโจ
Hartford Court specializes in a range of wines, primarily focusing on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel. The style is marked by elegance and complexity, often described as "high personality" wines:
- Pinot Noir: Approximately 15 different expressions, sourced from various cool-climate regions, known for their seductive texture and ability to reflect vineyard characteristics.
- Chardonnay: Single vineyard Chardonnays from the Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley, showcasing rich and expressive profiles.
- Old Vine Zinfandel: Sourced from 80-100 year old vines, these wines deliver depth and boldness, produced in limited quantities (150-500 cases).
In addition to single vineyard offerings, Hartford Court also produces Russian River Cuvรฉes, which have gained recognition on prestigious restaurant wine lists worldwide.
Key People
Don Hartford: CEO and Co-Owner, with over 25 years in winemaking and winery management. His diverse background includes law and teaching, but his passion lies in agriculture and sustainable farming.
Hailey Hartford Murray: President and Co-Owner, passionate about the intersection of winemaking, community, and sustainability. With a background in biology and extensive international winemaking experience, she leads with a focus on innovation and family values.
Jeff Stewart: Head Winemaker, who aligns with Hartfordโs philosophy of high-risk, high-reward winemaking, employing traditional techniques that highlight terroir.โ
In summary, Hartford Court Winery stands out for its dedication to crafting limited, high-quality wines that reflect the character of their exceptional vineyard sites. Their focus on sustainable practices and family involvement in winemaking contributes to their unique identity in the competitive wine landscape.