The 2005 Pinot Noir Hailey’s Block comes from Green Valley’s Arrendell Vineyard, one of the coolest places for growing fruit in northern California. This vineyard, which is at a modest elevation, has produced a wine with medium ruby color, notes of cranberries, strawberries, and red currants with hints of pomegranate and earth. The wine has tart acidity, beautiful fruit purity, and a fragrant bouquet. It is definitely a cool-climate Pinot, but an impeccably well-made one. Drink it over the next 4-5 years. New winemaker Jeff Mangahas has replaced the talented Mike Sullivan and has turned out a bevy of impressive wines. Hartford Court is undeniably one of the gems in Jess Jackson’s portfolio of boutique wineries.Tel. (800) 588-0234; Fax (800) 600-5895

Showing the beautiful silkiness and delicacy that great Pinot should have, this one also combines immense power. The end result is an important wine of ageworthy proportions. Drinking it now rewards for the wealth of cherry, raspberry, cola, cinnamon spice and oak flavors that are so delicious. But the wine has a fine balance that will allow it to age gracefully for at least six years.——S.H.(11/1/2007)—— 93