Hartford Court Laura's 2007 Chardonnay Russian River

Hartford Family Winery

The wine offers great weight and depth with spiced pears, ginger, honeysuckle and orange blossom aromas and flavors. Barrel fermentation and aging in French oak has added hints of fresh nutmeg and vanilla bean. Minerals permeate the lingering, complex finish of the wine. Laura's Chardonnay represents an exceptional fusion of distinct elements from select vineyards in the Russian River Valley. The vineyards selected to make this wine are planted to "old clone" or "heirloom clones" of Chardonnay that are not widely planted in California. The vines in these vineyards are among some of the earlier planting in the Russian River Valley and are low yielding. Many of these heirloom, Old-Wente selections displays a greater intensity, distinctive aroma, texture and flavor than typical, California Chardonnay. The grapes selected for the Laura's Chardonnay reflect a remarkable balance of power and elegance.
International Wine Cellar
Bright gold. Potent orchard fruit and floral scents are complemented by smoky lees and sweet butter. Finely etched pear and guava flavors coat the palate, taking on a spicy quality on the back end. Blends richness and energy deftly and finishes with excellent clarity and length. Score: 91 - Josh Raynolds, May 2009
Wine Advocate
The 2007 Chardonnay Laura's is still in barrel, but it almost came across as tannic. However, it is loaded with crisp white peach, white currant, and quince aromas accompanied by strong mineral undertones. It is medium-bodied and more backward than its siblings. All of these Chardonnays have 4-6 years of aging potential, perhaps even longer. Score: 90-92 - Robert Parker, December 2008.

Type	White
Varietal	Chardonnay
Vintage	2007
Winemaker	Jeff Mangahas
Alcohol content	14.5%
Appellation	California – Sonoma - Russian River Valley
Wine Advocate	90-92
Wine Enthusiast	--
Wine Spectator	--
International Wine Cellar	91

Jeff Mangahas, winemaker

Jeff grew up in Washington State, graduating from the University of Washington in 1993 with a B.S. in Cellular and Molecular Biology. Beginning his career as a cancer research scientist, Jeff opted to stay in his home state initially — Washington was then an up-and-coming wine region with a handful of world-class producers, affording Jeff the opportunity to taste many good wines for little money. Eventually, his career took him to New York City, where his interest in wine switched into high gear as he discovered the abundant restaurants and the wines of the world they offered.

Jeff noticed his taste in wine was also changing, and the Bordeaux in his wine collection seemed to have transitioned into wines from Burgundy. After a harvest at Artesa Vineyards and Winery, he came to Dutton-Goldfield Winery to dig into the Pinot grape further. Beginning as Oenologist in 2002, Jeff was promoted to assistant winemaker in 2003. During this time he also assumed the responsibilities as Facility and Production Manager at the Laguna Oaks Winery where Dutton-Goldfield, Bolleto Vineyards, and SoloRosa Wines are produced.

In April 2006 Jeff was named Winemaker at Hartford Family Winery in Forestville. Hartford’s philosophy of "high risk–high reward" is a perfect fit with Jeff ’s outlook and career track. His focus is Pinot Noir from cool climate, premium estate vineyards in the Green Valley Appellation, as well as Chardonnay and Zinfandel.