2009 Hartford Court Pinot Noir MacLean's Block

The 2009 Pinot Noir MacLean’s Block is a big, masculine wine bursting with expressive dark fruit. Firm tannins provide the backbone in this virile, unique Pinot. The MacLean’s will appeal most to readers who appreciate a bigger, firmer style of Pinot. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. Proprietor Don Hartford and his winemaker Jeff Stewart have fashioned an impressive colletion of Chardonnays, Pinots and Zinfandels. The Chardonnays are fermented with native yeasts and see significant lees stirring. The Pinots spend 15 months in French oak barrels, 30-55% new. The Zinfandels typically see 9-12 months in barrel, which seems a bit on the short side for wines that have so much to say. All of the wines are bottled unfiltered. Tel. (800) 588-0234

Bright ruby. Aromas of blackberry, violet and licorice pastille, with a subtle meaty nuance. Juicy, minerally and penetrating but tightly coiled and on the youthful side, with medicinal red and dark fruit flavors showing a slightly bitter edge. Finishes on a note of licorice, with excellent clarity and serious grip.