The 2021 Hartford Court Russian River Pinot Noir is a red wine produced in the Russian River Valley sub-appellation of Sonoma, California, by Hartford Court. This Pinot Noir has an alcohol content of 14.5% and is sealed with a cork closure. The wine is crafted from the Pinot Noir varietal and is notable for its balanced profile and expressive characteristics, as highlighted by professional reviewers.
Jeb Dunnuck, writing for jebdunnuck.com on July 21, 2023, awarded this wine a score of 92. He describes it as having a "youthful and saturated ruby hue." Dunnuck highlights its ripe and spicy aromas, featuring "fresh pine, cherry liqueur, and fresh wildflowers." On the palate, Dunnuck notes the wine is "medium to full-bodied, with ample richness," and it reveals flavors of "ripe berries, turned forest floor, and toasted baking spice." He also points out its "classic feel, with good structure and a long finish," suggesting it can be enjoyed over the next few years. Dunnuck mentions that 15,000 cases of this wine were produced.
Decanter, in a review dated July 19, 2023, gave the wine a slightly higher score of 93. The review emphasizes the influence of the Laguna Ridge soils, which have a higher iron content and contribute to the wine's great minerality. According to Decanter, this Pinot Noir "flashes beautiful blue fruit aromatics with hints of cola and crushed slate." The palate is described as "showy," featuring "turned earth-based umami, fresh red berries, and a spiced cassia bark undertone." The review concludes by noting that "fresh, bright mint carries a finish of true elegance."
Both reviews underline the wine's complexity and balanced structure. With its rich palate and aromatic profile, the 2021 Hartford Court Russian River Pinot Noir stands out as a notable example of Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley, appealing to both novice and experienced wine enthusiasts.