Hartford Court "Stone Cote Vineyard" Chardonnay 2013, 1.5L

The Stone Côte Vineyard, a small block within the renowned Durell Vineyard, sits on an ancient riverbed at the southern end of the Sonoma Coast AVA. Shaped by a river that once flowed through volcanic and sedimentary rock, the landscape is now littered with tumbled, water-worn river rocks and has very little topsoil. These nutritionally challenged soils force the vines to search deeply for nutrients and water, resulting in small clusters with intense varietal flavors.

All grapes are hand harvested at night and undergo whole cluster pressing. Fermentation occurs with indigenous yeast in French oak barrels, 14% of which are new. The wine is aged for 14 months with weekly lees stirring through malolactic fermentation, and it undergoes no fining and minimal filtration.

Tasting Note:

The 2013 Chardonnay Stone Cote Vineyard (from Durell) is rich, sumptuous and layered, with attractive floral, honeyed overtones and plenty of orchard fruits. Hints of orange peel, lemon oil, hazelnuts, spices and butter add further dimensions of nuance on the finish.