2015 Hartford Court - Chardonnay Three Jacks Vineyard
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From the Green Valley portion of the Russian River Valley, the 2015 Chardonnay Three Jacks Vineyard was barrel fermented and aged in a mix of new and used French oak. Mango, Meyer lemon, ripe pineapple, and hints of toast all emerge from this seriously rich, concentrated, unctuous effort. A blend of four different clones, it's a full-bodied Chardonnay that has moderate acidity, yet still stays pure, elegant, and clean, with a killer finish. 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!
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Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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Three Jacks Vineyard Chardonnay is sourced from a small vineyard in the Green Valley area of the Russian River Valley AVA. It was planted in 1995 to four clones: Old Wente selection, Rued, Dijon 95 and Clone 15. It receives native yeast fermentation and is barrel fermented in French oak, 27% new, where it ages for 16 months prior to being bottled unfined and unfiltered. The 2015 Chardonnay Three Jacks Vineyard is bold and expressive, bursting with tropical and nutty notes, with an incredibly spicy perfume over a core of apricot preserves and honeycomb. Its powerful, full-bodied palate is laden with stone fruit and spice flavors wrapped in a satiny texture with plenty of freshness, finishing long with savory nuances coming through. 341 cases were made.
Hartford's 2015 Chardonnay Three Jacks Vineyard is a powerful, phenolic wine, and yet it is very much medium-bodied in structure. Floral and savory notes are front and center, while the fruit is more in the background, which is not unusual for this corner of Green Valley. The Three Jacks is quite nuanced in style, especially for the vintage.