Hartford Court Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2018

94 points and 'Editors' Choice,' Wine Enthusiast: "[$30 list] This is an outstanding appellation wine, made in larger quantities at a remarkably fair price. Grapes come from throughout the diverse valley and the wine barrel fermented and given nine months to rest. Full bodied, layered and widely appealing, it shows a density of peach, pear, baking spice and sweet oak, all of the components coming together seamlessly at the end. Alcohol 14.2%. (Sep 2020)"

92 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Leading off the Chardonnays (there are two early release 2018s), the appellation 2018 Chardonnay Russian River Valley is a great introduction into the wines of this estate and has a richer, expansive, medium to full-bodied style offering lots of golden apple, musky pineapple, brioche, and honeysuckle aromas and flavors. It's a textured, beautifully balanced, superb appellation Chardonnay to enjoy over the coming 4-5 years. Drink: 2020-2025. (5/21/20)"

92 points and 'Top 100 Wine of 2020 (#44),' Wine Spectator: "[$30 list] Luscious, rich and full of creamy white fruit flavors flanked by buttery accents. Spicy plushness lingers into the finish, with some honeyed notes. Drink now through 2024. (4/30/20)"

91+ points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate): "Already bottled, the 2018 Chardonnay Russian River Valley sings of fresh Bosc pears, white peaches and pink grapefruit with hints of powdered ginger, shaved almonds and white pepper. Medium-bodied, the palate has great vibrancy and juiciness with effortless fruit expression and lovely savory layers on the finish. I wish all Chardonnays at this price point tasted this good! Drink: 2020-2025. (Feb 2020)"

Producer notes: "This Chardonnay offers subtle aromas of jasmine flower, citrus oil, green apple and pear. The elegant aromatics are complemented by fresh kiwi, lemon drop and Pippin apple flavors. The fruit-focused mid-palate is followed by subtle mineral notes and a hint of crystallized ginger in the finish."