2021 Hartford Court - Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills Warrior Princess (750ml)

Hartford Family Winery was founded in 1994 by Don and Jennifer Hartford, whose shared love of the Russian River Valley's vineyards led them to build a winery in the Sonoma County town of Forestville. From the outset the Hartfords committed to single vineyard designated wines that reflect the individual character of each site, a philosophy that quickly earned recognition, including a Sweepstakes Best White Wine award at the 2001 Sonoma County Harvest Fair. While the winery remains rooted in Sonoma, its Hartford Court label now reaches beyond California to source distinctive fruit from Oregon's Willamette Valley.

The Warrior Princess bottling comes from a single block within the renowned Zena Crown Vineyard, tucked into the Eola-Amity Hills near the Oregon ghost town of Zena. The vines grow in basalt derived Jory soils of volcanic origin, layered with marine sedimentary rock and alluvial material, a combination that tends to produce Pinot Noir with high toned blue and black fruit alongside earthy, spiced undertones. Cool afternoon breezes moving through the Van Duzer Corridor from the Pacific help preserve acidity through ripening, giving the wine both density and lift.

The glass shows a deep ruby color with layered aromas of dark blueberry, red plum, and blackberry, accented by Chinese five spice and sandalwood. On the palate, fresh cherry and berry liqueur mingle with violet and allspice, framed by fine grained, persistent tannins. Its spice driven intensity pairs well with grilled venison, duck breast, or a wedge of aged gouda.