Hartford Court’s 2005 Zinfandels are considerably lighter than previous vintages. It was a cool year and I suspect Zinfandel never received the heat it needs to achieve full power. The 2005 Zinfandel Hartford Vineyard (289 cases) exhibits a dark ruby color, crisp acidity, a lean style, plenty of cherry and raspberry fruit, not a great deal of body, but good acidity, spice, and earthiness. Drink it over the next 3-4 years. This is one of my favorite wineries for Burgundian-styled Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs as well as full-throttle Zinfandels (although the 2005s are lighter than usual). Don Hartford and Jess Jackson have incredible access to some fabulous vineyards.Previously recommended: 2003 Chardonnay Seascape (96), 2003 Chardonnay Stone Cote (94+), 2003 Chardonnay Three Jacks (96), 2003 Pinot Noir Arrendell Vineyard (91), 2003 Pinot Noir Seascape (90), 2004 Zinfandel Russian River (93), 2004 Zinfandel Dina’s Vineyard (90?), 2004 Zinfandel Fanucchi-Wood Road Vineyard (94), 2004 Zinfandel Hartford Vineyard (91), 2004 Zinfandel Highwire Vineyard (91).Tel. (800) 588-0234; Fax (800) 600-5895

Too hot and overripe, with a heavy, baked fruit quality. Although the wine is fully dry, it has a stewed blackberry taste. The alcohol is 15.5%.——S.H.(11/1/2007)—— 83