2015 Jennifer's Pinot Noir
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Tasting notes
From a cooler, windy site south of Sebastopol, the 2015 Pinot Noir Jennifer's is a bigger, richer, structured effort. Blackcurrants, black cherries, graphite, scorched earth and beautiful violet notes give way to a concentrated, fresh, tannic Pinot Noir that certainly has the fruit and texture to shine now but will be even better in 2-3 years. Don Hartford and winemaker Jeff Stewart have produced a sensational lineup of wines in 2015 (and I suspect 2016 as well). This is a smaller yielding year, and while quantities are tiny, the wines are concentrated, rich, and flamboyant while also staying elegant and seamless. These are world-class Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays that readers need to seek out!
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2015 Pinot Noir Jennifer's is the most powerful and bombastic of these wines. There is plenty of Russian River flamboyance. Super-ripe black cherry, plum, cola, spice and licorice all come to life. The Jennifer's will appeal most to readers who enjoy racy, opulent Pinots. For all of its flavor intensity, the 2015 preserves quite a bit of brightness.
Medium to deep ruby-purple colored, the 2015 Hartford Court Pinot Noir Jennifer’s leaps from the glass with exuberant raspberry preserves, cranberry tart and black forest cake notes with touches of wild thyme, red roses and menthol. Medium to full-bodied, the palate simply sings of red and black berry flavors complimented with dried herbs and savory notes, supported by firm, very fine-grained tannins and great freshness, finishing very long and perfumed. Should age wonderfully! 313 cases were produced.
The 2015 Pinot Noir Jennifer's is plump, juicy and forward. Super-ripe red cherry, plum, spice, menthol and rose petal are front and center. Plush, silky and creamy on the palate, the 2015 offers a striking interplay of lush fruit and bright supporting acids.