2024 Hartford Court - Chardonnay Russian River Valley (750ml)

Hartford Family Winery was founded in 1994 by Don Hartford and Jennifer Jackson Hartford, drawn to the Russian River Valley by its people, its vineyards, and the wines it produced. Based in Forestville, the winery earned early acclaim, including an Artisan Winery of the Year honor from Wine & Spirits, and its wines have since been poured at the White House on multiple occasions. Under the Hartford Court label, the family has built a reputation for expressive, terroir-driven Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, now guided by winemaker Tiaan Lordan alongside third-generation president Hailey Hartford Murray.

This appellation-level Chardonnay draws on a handful of vineyards scattered across the Russian River Valley, an area cooled by fog and ocean breezes that roll in from the nearby Pacific. That marine influence extends the growing season and preserves natural acidity in the fruit, letting Sonoma's characteristic combination of ripeness and freshness come through in the glass. As with the winery's other bottlings, the wine is fermented in barrel using native yeast and undergoes full malolactic fermentation.

Vibrant citrus and crisp green apple lead into nectarine, with delicate hints of mango and pineapple rounding out the nose. The palate stays refined, balancing ripe fruit with subtle spice and a touch of flinty minerality, while bright acidity carries through to a long finish. Serve it alongside roast chicken, seared scallops, or a creamy risotto.