Stonestreet, Hartford Court and Freemark Abbey Happy Hour Wine Tasting Wednesday, July 12th 6pm and all the wines from these three wineries on SALE!!
“I would drink that whole bottle if I knew it wouldn’t get me completely drunk. I miss wine.”
“Um, you haven’t had it for one night, and you miss it?”
“Clearly, you underestimate my relationship with wine and what I do on the weekends when I’m by myself reading.”
- Rachel Van Dyken, The Bet
I drink two bottles of wine every night and just found this article about a Spanish man who lived to be 107- he drank four bottles a day! I have included the article from Food and Wine Magazine at the end of this e-mail for your enjoyment. And they just found evidence that tannins in red wine keep you from getting sick from the Corona virus!! Check out both articles at the end of this e-mail.
The original e-mail for this tasting on Wednesday, July 12th was a bit confusing as it listed all the wines from these three wineries and not the list of wines that we are showing so here is the correct information about the tasting as well as all the wines we have from these three wineries following the tasting wines and menu.
We have a great selection of the Jackson Family wines on the table from three of our favorite wineries in California; Hartford Court Winery, Stonestreet and Freemark Abbey.
This tasting starts at 6pm and chefs Toni and Dani will be making some appetizers to accompany the tasting wines. The fee for this tasting is $125 + tax, for reservations call 954-523-9463 or e-mail andy@winewatch.com.
HAPPY HOUR WINE TASTING
FEATURING FREEMARK ABBEY, STONESTREET AND HARTFORD COURT WINERIES
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
6:00 PM
2017 Stonestreet Aurora Point Sauvignon Blanc Alexander Valley
2021 Hartford Court Chardonnay Russian River
2019 Hartford Chardonnay Four Hearts
2019 Stonestreet Chardonnay Estate Alexander Valley
2017 Stonestreet Chardonnay Estate Alexander Valley
2018 Stonestreet Chardonnay Upper Barn Alexander Valley
2021 Cambria Pinot Noir Julia's Vineyard Santa Maria Valley
2021 Hartford Court Pinot Noir Lands Edge Pinot Noir
2019 Hartford Court 'Warrior Princess' Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills
2017 Stonestreet Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley
2017 Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
2018 Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Napa
2018 Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon Bosche Napa
2018 Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon Sycamore Vineyard Napa
Menu
Pulled Pork and Provolone Quesadilla with Pico de Gallo and Avocado Jalapeno Cream
Banh Mi Sliders Pork and Beef with Picked Carrots and Sriracha Mayo
Chorizo, Mozzarella Caramelized Onion and Mushroom Pizza with Fresh Herbs
Poached Shrimp Fresh Roll with Peanut Curry Dipping Sauce
Brie and Raspberry Puff Pastry Purse
The fee for this tasting which includes almost all of the wines on this offering is $125 + tax, for reservations call 954-523-9463 or e-mail andy@winewatch.com.
A brief History of Stonestreet Winery:
The present Stonestreet Vineyard and Winery was built in 1983 by Stephen Zellerbach, who produced largely undistinguished wines on the property for its first three years. Zellerbach leased the facility and the label to William Baccala, who sold the lease option to Jess S. Jackson Jr. in 1988. For those unfamiliar with the name Jess Jackson, he was the founder of the greatest modern success story in the California wine business. From a tiny operation in Lake County north of Mendocino, his winery, Kendall-Jackson (Kendall was his former wife's maiden name) grew in the space of a decade from a modest 25,000 case production to several million cases. Despite the tremendous growth, quality was always foremost at Kendall-Jackson. The winery won fistfuls of medals and serious plaudits from critics. Most importantly, consumers of all stripes really loved the wines. The Kendall-Jackson "Vintner's Reserve" Chardonnay became America's favorite Chardonnay. In 1988 Jackson began the process of acquiring other California wineries and vineyards at a breathtaking pace that had everyone in the industry amazed at how he was able to put together a string of wineries that were all very successful in their own right. The Jess Jackson empire now includes Cambria, Camelot, Carmel Road, La Crema, Byron, Mount Brave, Verite, Hartford Court, and Stonestreet (from Sonoma), Edmeades (from Mendocino); and Cardinale, Robert Pepi, and Lokoya (from Napa). In addition, the late great Jackson went international with winery projects in Italy, Chile, South Africa and Australia.
Although we could sing the praises of each of the above wineries, Stonestreet has evolved into a diamond in the string of Jess Jackson's pearls. The winery, named after Jackson's father, Jess Stonestreet Jackson, is located in southern Alexander Valley, several miles east of Healdsburg. Jackson had his eye on this property for some time before he exercised his options. In fact, with fruit from the Zellerbach estate Jackson's winemaker, Jed Steele, was able to produce much finer wine than either Zellerbach or William Baccala. The wine that really established this property in the minds of insiders and no doubt convinced Jackson to purchase the property was the 1985 Kendall-Jackson "Cardinale" bottling - a meritage blend made entirely from this vineyard. The 1985 "Cardinale" scored a lofty (97) in The Wine Spectator, and they selected it as one of the ten best American reds of the year for 1989 in The Wine News. In a grand tasteoff of the top Cabernets and blends of the great 1985 vintage conducted by The Wine News in May of 1990, the 1985 Cardinale scored a (98) first place finish! Upon Jackson's assumption of control of the property, work was begun to really fine-tune the estate cabernet and merlot (there is also a tiny amount of cabernet franc and petit verdot in the vineyard). Mark Houser, the winery's viticulturist, took on a major trellising and training program; and as expected this tremendous focus on the vineyard itself produced even better cabernet and merlot in the near future. Jess Jackson was very fond of this particular property and built a home at the winery.
The debut releases for Stonestreet totaled less than 2,000 cases - a Gewürztraminer, a Pinot Noir, and a Chardonnay with grapes purchased from some of the top independent Sonoma growers. Several of the initial releases were big successes - the 1990 Pinot Noir and the 1990 Chardonnay (both made from purchased grapes) were the stars of the portfolio. The Pinot Noir, from Russian River fruit, garnered lots of important critical acclaim - including “Three Stars” (their highest rating) from Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine. The Chardonnay was selected as one of the top ten of the year for 1992 in The Wine News. Later the winery followed with a '90 Merlot and a '90 Cabernet from the estate's 65 acres of vineyards surrounding the winery (another 92 acres that remain uncultivated leave ample room for future expansion). Stonestreet later added its own meritage red blend, Legacy, to the portfolio. The first truly outstanding Legacy was the 1993 - comprised primarily of merlot. Legacy is a blend of the best barrels of the four Bordeaux varietals grown on the estate. Stonestreet has added several new wines to its portfolio - including a superb late harvest Semillon first produced in the 1993 vintage from Russian River fruit. In the 1995 vintage Stonestreet made its first Sauvignon Blanc from the Pinnacle Vineyard on the newly acquired Alexander Mountain Estate (formerly the Gauer Ranch) - a vineyard location that really positioned Jackson with a supply of outstanding quality fruit.
One particular vineyard site on this huge hillside property, designated Upper Barn, and made famous by Marcassin's Upper Barn Chardonnay and the Peter Michael Mon Plaisir Chardonnay came under Jackson's control. Stonestreet got a portion of the fruit from the Upper Barn for the 1995 vintage and made what is arguably one of the best Chardonnays of the vintage - considerably different in style from its regular Chardonnay, which tends to be flamboyant and lush. The 1995 Upper Barn is rich, but racy and refined, decidedly one of the best Chardonnays of the 1995 vintage. Made in minuscule quantities, it is worth a special search.
Although every one of Jackson's wineries would like fruit from this newly-acquired vineyard, the inside track at least seems to be going to Stonestreet. Stephen Test was winemaker at Zellerbach when Jackson acquired this estate, he was the driving force behind the style of these wines during his tenure. Test continued to amaze us throughout his tenure here, as he defined the style of these wines. His assistant, Mike Westrick, was paying close attention, as he knew no one understood the fruit from these vineyards like Steve Test. In November of 1996 Test decided to move on and Westrick’s attention to detail paid off as he was promoted to winemaker.
Over the years there have been many changes at Stonestreet Winery and today they focus on producing single vineyard wines and have done away with all the big production wines choosing to focus on making only top level wines as opposed to varietal wines to fill the shelves of big chain retail stores. Today, they are mostly found in boutique wine stores and restaurants as well as winery direct but this 2013 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is $45 on the wineries web site!
Today the Stonestreet Estate Winery is presided over by the youngest son of Barbara Banke and the late Jess Jackson. Christopher Jackson grew up surrounded by wine, and naturally cultivated a deep respect for the challenges and unique rewards of high-elevation winegrowing. Today he leads Stonestreet Estate Winery on the enduring quest to craft wines of distinct character and complexity.
“This mountain is a spiritual experience. It is a place that I’ve lived with my family for more than 20 years now, and where I intend to raise my family,” said Christopher Jackson. “You’re at harmony with nature, you see all of wonders the Alexander Valley has to offer, and it really makes you understand that as a human out here you are just one part of a very complex and multifaceted world.”
Together with his wife, Ariel, Christopher takes the long view, preserving the land and legacy of this region so that it can be enjoyed for years to come. The couple have a young son who bears the middle name Stonestreet like his grandfather, Jess. “This is our undertaking as a family, and my undertaking – to make sure that what we bring to the table off this estate is as special as it possibly can be,” Christopher said.
The winemaker since 2008 is Lisa Valtenberg and when you’re a winemaker, a sensitive nose can be a very good thing. This is what Lisa Valtenbergs discovered. “My parents said I always complained about smells,” Lisa recalls of her early years growing up in Sonoma County. “Finally, my mom’s friend told me to put that nose to use, and so I went into wine.”
Lisa bolstered her natural sensory skills with hands-on experience and a solid education, developing a well-rounded understanding of the wine industry. She went to Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo for college. While there, she spent a semester abroad studying international wine marketing at the University of Adelaide in South Australia, and worked her first harvest at Tolosa Winery in Paso Robles in 2000. Lisa graduated from Cal Poly in 2001, with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business and a minor in Viticulture.
Lisa joined Stonestreet in 2008, largely drawn to the winery by the opportunity to work with the Alexander Mountain Estate. She loves the diversity of her job, from the vineyards to the cellar. "I like seeing something to completion, watching the fruit ripen, coddling it and nurturing it, watching it progress until it becomes the wine you find in the bottle." In her free time, Lisa enjoys mountain biking, snowboarding, waterskiing and hiking. She also likes to travel and taste wine from all over the world.
2019 STONESTREET CHARDONNAY ESTATE ALEXANDER VALLEY
Price: $48.00 Sale Price: $37.50
As a blend of our best Chardonnay vineyard sites, the Stonestreet Estate Chardonnay is one of the most compelling illustrations of the mountain. We blend this white wine with astute precision, balancing aromatic intrigue, texture, and the Mayacamas' signature structural elements into a pure reflection of the mountain. This white wine exhibits honeysuckle and orange creamsicle with subtle salinity. The broad palateshows notes of pear, tropical fruit andtoffee, balancing aromatic intrigue, texture and supple finish. Pair with grilled halibut or sea bass with a citrus vinaigrette, scallops and risotto. This bottled California chardonnay is 14.2% alcohol by volume.
2017 STONESTREET CHARDONNAY ESTATE ALEXANDER VALLEY
Price: $35.00 Your Price: $30.80 Quantity in Stock: 49
(92 Points) Moving to the Chardonnays, the 2017 Chardonnay Estate was fermented and aged 11 months in 33% new French oak. It’s a clean and crisp, with terrific notes of stone fruits, brioche, and white flowers. Possessing medium to full body, ample pure fruit, and a balanced style, drink it over the coming 4-5 years. Jeb Dunnuck
2018 STONESTREET CHARDONNAY UPPER BARN ALEXANDER VALLEY
Price: $177.00 Your Price: $155.76
(97 Points) The 2018 Chardonnay Upper Barn Vineyard was aged for 10 months in French oak, 46% new. It has a very classy nose of ripe peaches, fresh yellow apples and allspice followed by fresh ginger, cashew and acacia honey plus a waft of sea spray. Full-bodied, rich, satiny and with fantastic intensity and tension, it finishes very long and chalky. YUM! Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
2015 STONESTREET CHARDONNAY UPPER BARN ALEXANDER VALLEY
Price: $120.00 Your Price: $105.60 Quantity in Stock: 2
The Upper Barn Vineyard produces our most transporting Chardonnay, delivering a truly unique wine that can only be crafted from this site 1,800ft up the mountain. The stars continue to align as this vineyard continues to produce wines with density and a dreamy mix of aromatics and texture. The texture of the 2015 Upper Barn Vineyard Chardonnay is both opulent and elegant with an acidic backbone and powerful structure that is consistent across the palate. Aromas of cantaloupe, honeycomb, and honeysuckle burst from the glass with beautiful concentration and structure that will only improve with cellaring. This wine is perfectly balanced with flavors of tropical fruit and notes of toast that fully envelope the palate. The finish is round and mouthwatering, with lingering flavors.
2017 STONESTREET AURORA POINT SAUVIGNON BLANC ALEXANDER VALLEY
Winery Price: $55.00 Your Price: $36.00
The Aurora Point Sauvignon Blanc radiates exotic fruit and power, representing the capability of high elevation Sauvignon Blanc. The 2017 Aurora Point exudes aromas from the glass of underripe white peach, basil and green apple. A palate full of zesty acidity melds with a luxurious mouthfeel merged by flavors of mandarin, lemon tart and lemongrass.
2017 STONESTREET CABERNET SAUVIGNON ALEXANDER VALLEY
Winery Price: $60.00 Your Price: $52.50 Quantity in Stock: 6
Stonestreet Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a pure reflection of our high-elevation vineyard estate, showcasing the wide variety of facings, soils and flora found on its primary ridge. Vibrant aromas of brambly blackberry, raspberry, tobacco and sage dominate, while underneath one finds subtle undertones of baking spices and anise. The palate offers dark, savory flavors of black currant, dried cherry, dried Herbes de Provence, and a touch of vanilla bean, enveloped in fine tannins that extend the wine through a lengthy cocoa-powder laden finish.
A bit about Freemark Abbey Winery:
Into every bottle of wine made by a vintner of the Old School went a little bit of himself. It was believed that the quality of a man’s wine depended of his own quality and character. To gain lasting fame as a wine grower, a vintner had to be a poet, a philosopher and an honorable man, as well as a master craftsman.” This short poem is the epitome of the character of Charles Albert Carpy, the late founder and managing partner of Freemark Abbey. His daughter, Catherine Carpy found this typewritten poem on a piece of rice paper while organizing his files shortly after his death. Charles was a throw back from an era when Napa Valley was made up of farmers like himself. These tractor driving, flannel shirt wearing folks had the business savvy to invest in vineyards long before the Ferrari driving CEO’s and multimillionaires invaded Napa.
The Carpy’s roots were planted deep in Napa Valley long before Charles II, became a partner in the new Freemark Abbey. His grandfather, Charles Carpy I, came to Napa from Bordeaux soon after the Civil War; he first owned Uncle Sam Cellars in Napa then Greystone Cellars (now Christian Brothers). Young Chuck Carpy went to St. Helena High School and lived in the same house that he grew up, in St. Helena, his entire life. “I’ve never really called any other place home”, said Carpy of the Spanish styled house which stands in a grove of palm trees near the Beringer and Christian Brothers wineries. Not only does the Carpy family have a pretty amazing history in the valley, but so does the winery and vineyard land that they source much of their grape supply from.
There are records of vines and wine from the winery property that date back to 1875, when a retired sea captain, William J. Sayward, began developing 26 acres of vines. Sayward had a very short history at the property as he sold it only six years later to a Danish immigrant named John Tychson. The sickly Tychson survived only four years, but his wife Josephine carried through with the plans to build the Tychson Winery. She very well could have been the very first woman to build a winery during the 19th century. Her first crush was 1886. Josephine also had a very short tenure at this property as eight years later Phylloxera forced her to sell. The next proprietor, Anton Forni, founded Lombarda Cellars. He was responsible for building the traditional stone building that now houses Freemark Abbey’s ultra modern winery. Prohibition drove Forni out of business, and the property was passed on to a few non-winemaking owners. In 1939, the building was purchased by Albert Ahern who founded the first Freemark Abbey with two partners. (Ahern was nicknamed Abbey; his partners were Charles Freeman and Mark Foster, whence the name.) The original Freemark Abbey fell idle during a long slump in wine sales that lasted through the 1950’s.
In March of 1967 Carpy and a handfull of other partners each put down $250,000 as start-up capital for the winery. Ten years before the winery was founded Charles had completed his degree in agricultural economics at the University of California at Davis. In 1961, he and his sister invested in 115 acres in Rutherford east of the Napa River. This area became known as the Carpy Ranch and a few years later the opportunity to start a winery was like a dream come true for Charles as he explains, “I guess I just wanted to be a farmer”. Today, all of the parties are still involved in the winery and the blend of old school and new school philosophies has probably made the company stronger and more versatile.
For the last thirty years this winery has been a pinnacle of consistency. They have always preferred stainless fermentation for their whites, to place the emphasis on the freshness and the fruitiness of the Chardonnay grape. The red wines, particularly the single vineyard Cabernets, have been criticized by some as being hard and tannic, but the wines have proven over the years that they just need a little time to mellow and are actually some of the latest wines released of the vintage. This extra bottle age gives the tannins a little time to mellow out before the wine reaches the consumer.
Freemark Abbey focuses on four varietals; Chardonnay, Johannisberg Riesling, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Cabernet Sauvignon has three separate bottlings, each expressing slightly different characteristics. The “Boschè” Vineyard, located in the heart of Rutherford, which is renown for its understated elegance, worldly complexity and amazing longevity. For years the fruit for this monster style Cabernet had been sold to Beaulieu Vineyards to contribute to its Private Reserve wines, but in 1968 Boschè contacted Chuck Carpy about buying his grapes and the rest is history. The newest addition to the Cabernet portfolio is the vineyard designated wine from the Sycamore Vineyard. This prime piece of Cabernet property in Oakville is owned by partner John Bryan. Both of these wines have the potential to compete with some of the best wines being made in Napa Valley. The 1992 & 1993 vintages of the Boschè Cabernet were both Spectator Selections, and received scores of (93) & (92) respectively in The Wine Spectator. A permanent addition to the line-up is the Napa Valley Merlot. In 1991 this wine was added and has garnered much praise for its soft rich texture and rich berry fruit.
For many years the winery produced only one style of Chardonnay, it was fermented in stainless steel and was admired by those who worship a fresh and fruity style of white wine with good acidity at the end. After much coaxing, a Barrel fermented Chardonnay was added to the line. Carpy had serious misgivings about this change in style, a staunch believer in the old adage- “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it”. The new Chardonnay became known as “Carpy Ranch” and about 600 cases were produced of the 1988 introductory vintage. Freemark Abbey also makes an excellent Johannisberg Riesling similar to a Kabinett Style German wine. Whenever Mother Nature permits they make an exceptional late-harvest Riesling called Edelwein Gold.
Today, Freemark Abbey is part of the Jackson Family empire and one thing is for sure whenever this group acquires a property they go nowhere but upo in quality. It may take a few years to get Freemark Abbey back to its glory days of the past but there are good things on the horizon again at this historic property.
2020 FREEMARK ABBEY SAUVIGNON BLANC NAPA
Price: $27.00 Sale Price: $21.00
Our Sauvignon Blanc is a great accompaniment to a spring or summer day. Bright, lively, and aromatic, this wine opens with notes of tropical fruits, lemon zest, lime leaf, and honeydew. The palate is crisp and fresh with flavors of mandarin, grapefruit, cantaloupe, apricot, and lemongrass. There is plenty of minerality and bright textures to make this wine great on its own or paired with salads, seafood, and poultry dishes.
2021 FREEMARK ABBEY CHARDONNAY NAPA
Price: $37.50 Your Price: $33.00
Wine Profile: Our 2021 Napa Valley Chardonnay is intended to be the best of both worlds stylistically. The nose opens with rich and layered aromas of pear, mandarine, tuberose, vanilla and oak spice. The palate is met with flavors of brioche, apple pie, lemon curd and fresh pineapple. It has a creamy texture reminiscent of creme brulee with a finish that is bright and complex with incredible length.
2018 FREEMARK ABBEY CHARDONNAY NAPA VALLEY
Price: $34.50 Your Price: $30.36 Quantity in Stock: 12
(93 points) 2018 Chardonnay is a very pretty, nuanced wine that deftly balances textural richness and vibrancy. Lemon peel, orchard fruit, mint and bright floral notes are finely sculpted in this classy, wonderfully polished Chardonnay from Freemark Abbey. Vinous
2019 FREEMARK ABBEY MERLOT NAPA
Price: $45.00 Your Price: $39.60
Red ruby color, our merlot expresses red and blue fruits, composed of dried cherries, ripe strawberry, blue berry cobbler, fruit cake, red raspberry jam, and plum. A very pleasant complexity includes baking spice, leather, milk chocolate and arugula. The spicy oak is very well integrated. Entry and finish are very smooth, with fruit resembling cherry and plum nuances. This Merlot has a good overall balance of fruit, body, and tannin, with a long fruitful finish.
2017 FREEMARK ABBEY NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON, CALIFORNIA, USA
Price: $60.00 Your Price: $52.80 Quantity in Stock: 2
The 2017 Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Cabernet is deep garnet in color with aromas of black forest fruits, dark cherry, and lingonberry and is complemented with notes of espresso, dark chocolate, cedar and graphite. The palate is met with flavors of chocolate truffle, berry pie, mocha, and black pepper. The sweet oak spice adds a vibrant lift to the wine while the mid palate is full and creamy with well-integrated tannins. The wine expresses a long finish and pairs well with rich foods or is delicious on its own. It drinks wonderfully now and will cellar well for decades.
2019 FREEMARK ABBEY NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON, CALIFORNIA, USA
Price: $72.00 Your Price: $63.36
The 2019 Napa Valley Cabernet is our interpretation of a quintessentially classic style. The color is deep garnet and the nose yields aromas of dark chocolate, pomegranate, cedar shavings, blackberry, and leather. The palate exhibits flavors of blueberry compote, black cherry, espresso, and cigar box with bright and juicy fruit forward sensations. The texture is rich and bold with well-structured tannins that make it approachable now and will yield great results in the cellar for decades.
Blend: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 2% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc
2018 FREEMARK ABBEY RUTHERFORD CABERNET SAUVIGNON NAPA
List Price: $90.00 Your Price: $79.20
(94 Points) Blended from portions of Sycamore, Bosché and another vineyard, Freemark Abbey's 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford features scents of cassis, plum and hints of dark chocolate on the nose. A blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc, matured in 55% new French oak, it's full-bodied, dusty and firmly built. There's even more structure here than in the Oakville bottling, yet the wine remains elegant on the lengthy finish. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
1982 FREEMARK ABBEY 'BOSCHE' CABERNET SAUVIGNON, RUTHERFORD, USA
Price: $325.00 Sale Price: $250.00 Quantity in Stock: 23
1997 FREEMARK ABBEY 'BOSCHE' CABERNET SAUVIGNON, RUTHERFORD
Price: $240.25 Sale Price: $190.00 Quantity in Stock: 1
2018 FREEMARK ABBEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON BOSCHE NAPA
List Price: $187.50 Your Price: $165.00
(95 Points) Bottled separately as a single-vineyard wine since 1971, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Bosché Vineyard features a hint of mint upbfront, followed by mixed currants (red and black). There's a gentle herbal undercurrent to this blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Merlot, which lends it an extra note of complexity. Full-bodied, suave and streamlined, this is rich and velvety without being overly broad or expansive, finishing long and elegant. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
2018 FREEMARK ABBEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON SYCAMORE VINEYARD NAPA
Price: $187.50 Your Price: $165.00
(95 Points)The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Sycamore Vineyards comes from a site (across from Staglin on Bella Oaks) that is still owned by one of the winery's original partners. Delicate California garrigue notes of mountain scrub and bay leaf frame dark cassis fruit, joined by vibrant raspberries as well. Matured in 65% new French oak, this full-bodied, complex and sturdy blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot finishes dusty and tannic, yet it also has a juicy and mouthwatering finish, with hints of dark chocolate and espresso. In contrast to Bosché, this vineyard is more gravelly, producing smaller berries with more tannin. It receives more afternoon shade, so it's picked approximately two weeks later as well. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
2002 FREEMARK ABBEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON SYCAMORE VINEYARD NAPA
Price: $337.50 Your Price: $297.00
Opaque with dark ruby hues; deep and brooding with lots of depth in the nose. A host of inviting black fruit aromas including blackberries, boysenberries, black currant, dark cherries, with cinnamon, clove, dark chocolate, and a hint of lavender. Entry is smooth, full of dark cherry flavors reminiscent of a dark chocolate/cherry truffle, yet not sweet but with a wonderful, inviting, pleasant balance…a finish that draws you back for another glass! Seductively balanced with good structure and moderate tannins.
A bit about Hartford Court Winery:
Don Hartford grew up on a small strawberry farm in western Massachusetts, and later attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. To cover the cost of tuition and expenses, Don worked as a "straw boss" on a cigar wrapper tobacco farm, a de-degreaser in a bicycle factory, and a lifeguard at Congamond Lakes in Massachusetts.
Although his early years were heavily influenced by agriculture, farming was not Don's first choice as a profession. He went to school to study law and after earning a B.A., Don spent a year teaching English as a second language in Spain and later taught Spanish for four years in Massachusetts. In 1982 he graduated from Santa Clara University Law School in northern California. Don's legal career included work at the California Supreme Court, a Tokyo law firm, a large San Francisco-based firm, and Jess Jackson's Constitutional law practice. He also was a partner in a small country law partnership, and served for a time as a winery general counsel and vice president. If it was not for his first career choice he would not have met his wife and he might not have ever gotten into the wine business at all. Don Hartford met his wife, Jennifer Jackson-Hartford, at Santa Clara University in 1979. Shortly thereafter, Jennifer's father, Jess, started a modest 16,000 case winery called Kendall-Jackson.
In the process, Don has returned to one of his first loves-the land and farming. In addition, he owns and farms a small vineyard behind his home. As President and part owner of Hartford Court and Hartford Wineries (with Jennifer and Jennifer's sister, Laura Jackson-Giron), Don works "hands on" at all levels of the business, including work in the vineyards, winery, marketing, hospitality and sales. Don loves the South Florida market and on a recent visit we blind tasted the 1997 & 1998 vintages of the Hartford Court Pinots alongside 1996 grand cru Burgundies. These wines not only held their own, but they came in first, second, and third place on this afternoon.
Hartford Court specializes in single-vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Some of the wines that they offer are as limited as 50 cases. All of the wines come from cool locations in the Russian River and along the Sonoma Coast, wines that express the terroir of their unique vineyards. Hartford court also makes three single vineyard Zinfandels. Fannucchi, Hartford Vineyard & Highwire. The Fanucchi Vineyard is ninety years old and is located about seven acres on a slight rise off Wood Road in the Russian River Valley, it is dry farmed and has been tended by the Fanucchi family for over twenty years. Hartford Vineyard is Don’s home vineyard, the vines here are approximately eighty years old and it is located on Wood Road as well. The vineyard is head pruned and produces yields at around 1.5 tons per acre. The Highwire Vineyard is about ninety years old and is named after the high wire that is strung between each vine, this trellising method is highly controversial and is thought to permit greater sun exposure and to promote even ripening. These wines all have one thing in common- they are intensely flavored and usually some of the top wines of the vintage.
The Chardonnay vineyard on the Sonoma coast is called Seascape Vineyard. It is a six-acre site on a scenic ridge-top west of Occidental, California, in the Sonoma Coast AVA. The vineyard backs up to an old redwood grove on one side, and looks out over cascading ridges to Bodega Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The well-known Coastlands Vineyard borders the property. Because there is no ridge between the vineyard and the ocean, Seascape is an extremely cold spot - so cold Chardonnay is often picked in November. The vineyard is cropped to about two tons per acre to ensure full ripening. Although the farming risks are high, Seascape offers great reward of yielding a Chardonnay with evidently distinctive terroir. They make a single vineyard Chardonnay with fruit from this vineyard only in exceptional vintages. The production of this wine hovers at around 600 cases. Beginning with the 1998 vintage the winery began to bottle a Chardonnay under the Hartford label and added some Dutton Ranch and Durrel Vineyard fruit to boost the production of this wine to around 5,000 cases. The Seascape Vineyard Chardonnay will still be made, but only in exceptional vintages.
2021 HARTFORD COURT CHARDONNAY RUSSIAN RIVER
List Price: $25.50 Your Price: $22.44 Quantity in Stock: 10
The 2021 Hartford Court Russian River Valley Chardonnay offers subtle aromas of jasmine flower, citrus oil, green apple and pear. The elegant aromatics are complemented by fresh kiwi, lemon drop and green apple flavors. The fruit focused mid-palate is followed by subtle mineral notes and a hint of crystallized ginger in the finish.
2018 HARTFORD COURT CHARDONNAY RUSSIAN RIVER MAGNUM
Price: $60.00 Your Price: $52.80 Quantity in Stock: 2
(92 Points) This Chardonnay offers subtle aromas of jasmine flower, citrus oil, green apple and pear. The elegant aromatics are complemented by fresh kiwi, lemon drop and Pippin apple flavors. The fruit-focused mid-palate is followed by subtle mineral notes and a hint of crystallized ginger in the finish. #44 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2020
2019 HARTFORD CHARDONNAY FOUR HEARTS
Price: $52.50 Your Price: $46.20 Quantity in Stock: 19
(96 Points) Another Russian River release, the 2019 Chardonnay Four Hearts Vineyard brings plenty of ripe tropical fruit as well as medium to full body, a supple, layered mouthfeel, nicely integrated acidity, and building spice, toast, and green almond nuances. It's another thrilling, brilliant Chardonnay from this estate. Jeb Dunnuck
2021 HARTFORD COURT CHARDONNAY STONE COTE
Price: $75.00 Your Price: $66.00
"This single-vineyard bottling from one of our most well-known estate vineyards offers aromas of white peach, spiced pears, orange blossom, hazelnuts, and crushed rocks. Stone fruit, nectarine, and tangelo flavors are counterbalanced with a flinty, textural finish. " - Jeff Stewart and Tiaan Lordan, Winemakers
2020 HARTFORD COURT CHARDONNAY FOUR HEARTS RUSSIAN RIVER
Price: $51.00 Your Price: $44.88
(94 POINTS) "Aged for 11 months in 35% new French oak and predominantly from the Laguna Ridge neighborhood of the Russian River Valley, the 2020 Chardonnay Four Hearts Vineyards is lifted, with flinty reduction and a touch darker mineral tone. The palate has richness, savor, and more structure along with a note of pithy citrus and more concentration and tension. " – jebdunnuck.com, August 2022
2019 HARTFORD COURT CHARDONNAY SEVENS BENCH RUSSIAN RIVER
Price: $75.00 Your Price: $66.00
(94 Points) The 2019 Chardonnay Sevens Bench Vineyard was barrel fermented and matured for 14 months in 38% new French oak. It offers pure, delicate tones of brioche and toast, lemon drops, beeswax, chamomile and green herbs with an underpinning of shimmery crushed stone character. Tangy and focused to begin, it unfurls from preserved lemon to plusher, perfumed orchard fruits, and it finishes with tremendous length and energy—this is a great candidate for the cellar. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
2021 HARTFORD PINOT NOIR RUSSIAN RIVER
Price: $37.50 Your Price: $33.00 Quantity in Stock: 16
Aromas of black cherry, blueberry, black currant, allspice and loam are followed by flavors of wild raspberries, dark berries and a crushed rock minerality. The dense entry is followed by a sweet and juicy mouth feel, supported by acidity, silky tannins and a subtle earthy finish.
2016 HARTFORD COURT PINOT NOIR LANDS EDGE SONOMA COAST
Price: $49.50 Your Price: $43.56 Quantity in Stock: 5
(94 Points) A classic Sonoma Coast release, the 2016 Pinot Noir Land's Edge Vineyards offers perfumed notes of candied cherries, orange rind, rose petals, and sandalwood. I always find the true Sonoma Coast releases to have a rounded, supple texture and that’s certainly the case here. This medium-bodied wine has a silky texture, ripe yet polished tannin, and a great finish. Drink it over the coming decade. This cuvée comes from two Sonoma Coast sites located 4 miles off the coast and spent 31% new French oak. Jeb Dunnuck
2021 HARTFORD COURT PINOT NOIR LANDS EDGE PINOT NOIR
Price: $52.50 Your Price: $46.20 Quantity in Stock: 21
The 2021 Land’s Edge Pinot Noir leads with aromas of red and black cherry, pomegranate, and dried rose petal. The layered flavors of dark berries, plum and licorice lead to a mid-palate with elegant and polished texture. The wine ends with a lingering mocha and mineral finish.
2019 Hartford Family Winery Hartford Court 'Warrior Princess' Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills
Price: $82.50 Your Price: $72.60
(95 POINTS) - "From the Zena Crown Vineyard, the 2019 Pinot Noir Warrior Princess is bright with dried roses, anise, and wild red raspberry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied, with fresh crunchy red fruit, and poppy, snappy, fresh acidity. Refreshing and pretty in style, it can be drunk now or over the next 10 or more years." - Audrey Frick, jebdunnuck.com, Aug 2022
This Man Drank 4 Bottles of Wine Every Day and Lived to 107
By Justine Sterling, Food & Wine Magazine
Posted February 05, 2016
Stop training for that marathon and put down the quinoa. According to a 107-year-old Spanish winemaker, the secret to longevity is drinking red wine—a lot of it.
Antonio Docampo, who died last week at the ripe, very old age of 107, regularly drank two full bottles of red wine at lunch and another two bottles at dinner. “He could drink a liter and a half at once and he never drank water,” his son, Miguel Docampo López, told La Voz de Galicia. “When we were both at home we could get through 200 liters of wine a month.” To put that in an American perspective, that’s over 250 bottles.
Docampo supported his drinking regimen by founding his own winery, Bodegas Docampo in Ribeiro. “If he produced 60,000 liters a year he’d keep 3,000 liters for himself,” said his nephew, Jerónimo Docampo. “He always said that was his secret to living so long.” He also regularly took a shot of brandy with his breakfast.
The notion that red wine can help people live longer is nothing new. An article in the New York Times from 2008 cites a study suggesting that a compound called resveratrol found in some red wines increases longevity. Though, it would take about 35 bottles a day to actually make an impact. Still, Docampo’s intake was nothing to sneer at, so maybe the resveratrol is responsible. Or maybe it was genetic. Or maybe just insanely lucky. Whatever the case, take the opportunity tonight to lift a glass of red (or an entire bottle) to señor Docampo.
Good News!! – Tannins in Red wine Kill the Corona Virus
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2021/01/taiwanese-research-suggests-tannins-can-help-inhibit-covid-19/
Tannins in wine could help to inhibit Covid-19
by Alice Liang
Research from Taiwan shows that tannins in wine can help fight Covid-19 by effectively inhibiting the activity of two key enzymes within the virus.
Mien-Chie Hung, President of China Medical University, Taiwan, led a scientific research on the anti-coronavirus treatment. They discovered that tannins in wine can effectively inhibit the activity of two key enzymes of the virus.
As TVBS reported, Hung said: “The initial plan of the research is to call out natural compounds that may have an effect on SARS, and then use the protease of the new coronavirus to detect them and tannic acid was found in the result. It bears the strongest inhibitory ability.”
Hung explained tannic acid is a water-soluble polyphenol. Polyphenol compounds have antioxidants and free radical scavengers, which have anti-inflammatory effects.
During the SARS pandemic in 2003, relevant studies have proved that the treatment of tannic acid is effective. This time we are facing a new type of coronavirus and the research team has further performed detailed molecular experiments for new discovery.
The principal said that tannins can prevent infection and control the growth of viruses. Tannins are readily found in fruits such as bananas and grapes, as well as wine, tea and vegetables.
He explained tannins could be further developed as a drug for pharmaceutical treatment in the future. He believed that the consumption of adequate food and drinks with tannins is also a way to boost up one’s immunity to the virus.
“Grape and sorghum have relatively high tannin content. In fact, we are doing research in this area. We hope that in near future, we can come up with the decision of whether wine or baijiu is more potent in tannins.”
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