2021 Hartford Court - Zinfandel Highwire (750ml)

Hartford Family Winery farms an enviable collection of Russian River Valley vineyards under two labels, Hartford Court and Hartford, built around a philosophy the family calls character through adversity, the belief that difficult, marginal sites produce wines with more personality. Alongside their well-regarded Chardonnay and Pinot Noir programs, the winery has become one of California's leading Zinfandel specialists, sourcing fruit from a handful of historic, low-yielding old vine sites across the appellation.

Highwire Vineyard is over a century old and takes its name from its unusual trellising, half the block is head-trained in the traditional style while the other half is trained along an unusually high wire, a method introduced by longtime owners Lloyd and Dee Chelli to improve sun exposure and encourage even ripening. Hartford purchased the vineyard from the Chelli family in 2018, though Lloyd and Dee still live on the property. Each trellising section is harvested and aged separately to preserve its distinct character, and cool Russian River Valley nights help the fruit hold onto bright acidity even as it ripens fully.

The 2021 vintage pours a saturated ruby-purple, with aromas of blackberry, candied raspberry, and forest herbs recalling a walk through the woods after rain. The medium to full-bodied palate carries fine tannins and fresh peach and dusty soil notes through a long finish. It pairs well with barbecued ribs, grilled sausage, or a wedge of aged manchego.