The 2010 Chardonnay Far Coast Vineyard shows the energy and drive of this site north of Fort Ross in the upper reaches of the west Sonoma Coast. At the same time the Hartford style is evident. Brisk saline notes provide the backbone in this aromatic, varietally expressive Chardonnay. Sweet hints from the oak linger on the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016. Proprietor Don Hartford and his winemaker Jeff Stewart have fashioned an impressive colletion of Chardonnays, Pinots and Zinfandels. The Chardonnays are fermented with native yeasts and see significant lees stirring. The Pinots spend 15 months in French oak barrels, 30-55% new. The Zinfandels typically see 9-12 months in barrel, which seems a bit on the short side for wines that have so much to say. All of the wines are bottled unfiltered. Tel. (800) 588-0234