2019 Hartford Court Pinot Noir Warrior Princess Zena Crown

From the Zena Crown Vineyard, the 2019 Pinot Noir Warrior Princess is bright with dried roses, anise, and wild red raspberry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied, with fresh crunchy red fruit, and poppy, snappy, fresh acidity. Refreshing and pretty in style, it can be drunk now or over the next 10 or more 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 Pinot Noir Warrior Princess comes from the Zena Crown Vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills. Matured in 31% new French oak for 15 months, it has a medium ruby color and soaring aromas of cranberries, raspberries and rhubarb, mushrooms, tobacco and bitters. The palate is delicate and silky, bursting with fragrant flavors, supported by a soft, grainy texture and boasting a long, ethereal finish. It has a compelling dynamic of saline top notes and broody undertones and will be long lived in the cellar as its layered flavors unwind. 344 cases were made.