2019 Stone Cote Chardonnay

Sourced from a block within the Durrell Vineyard, the 2019 Chardonnay Stone Côte Vineyard is fresh with layers of lemon curd, wet stone, and hint of flinty reduction. The palate is ripe and has a primary fruit of ripe pear up front, with a snappy citrus lift on the finish. Drink now or over the next 6-8 years. A part of the Kendall-Jackson family, Hartford Court was established by Don and Jennifer Hartford, whose first vintage was 1994. They began with two vineyard designated wines, and today they have expanded to include 36 single vineyard wines, dedicated to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel. Jeff Stewart, the general manager and winemaker since 2011, and Tiaan Lordan, who has been with the estate since 2010, share the role as winemakers today.

The 2019 Chardonnay Stone Côte was barrel fermented and matured for 14 months in 35% new French oak. It's an incredibly intense, expressive iteration with continually unfurling aromas of candied lemon, crushed stone, dried herbs, orange blossom and beeswax. The medium-bodied palate is silky yet concentrated, with loads of mineral-laced fruits, seamless acidity and a very long, layered finish. 308 cases were made.