The Cotes de Beaune premier cru-styled 2008 Pinot Noir Seven’s Bench Vineyard comes from Dijon clones 667 and 777. It offers a dark ruby color, medium body and abundant aromas of vanilla, sassafras, pomegranate and sweet and sour cherries. It possesses more charm and flesh than the Hailey’s Block, and both cuvees are best consumed during their first 3-5 years of life. Owned by Jess Jackson and Don Hartford and assisted by winemaker Jeff Mangalas, Hartford Court is one of the bright shining stars in Jess Jackson Family Vineyard’s impressive portfolio. All three Chardonnays come from cool climate sites, either the Sonoma Coast or the Green Valley. I tasted five 2008 Pinot Noirs, a challenging vintage for some producers but Hartford Court had no smoke issues. Available through Vin Lux Fine Wines, tel. (866) 462-4641; Fax (866) 853-1707