Hartford’s 2011 Zinfandel has lovely balance and inner perfume. Dark red cherries, plums, tobacco and new leather burst from the glass in an expressive, nuanced wine best suited for drinking over the next few years. This is a serious, entry-level offering. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2019. Proprietor Don Hartford and winemaker Jeff Stewart have done a fabulous job with these new releases. It is rare for a winery to excel with so many different wines across three varieties and a bevy of sites. Each of these wines is unique and distinctive, not to mention that virtually all of the wines are immensely pleasing as well. This year, I was especially taken with the 2011 Zinfandels, wines that all have tremendous energy and vibrancy. At times, the Hartford Zinfandels can be quite Pinot-like in style.Tel. (800) 588-0234

The 2010 Zinfandel Russian River Valley is a big, exuberant wine bursting with dark black fruit, spices, mint and tobacco. This luscious Zinfandel is an excellent choice for drinking over the next few years. High-toned floral notes add lift and freshness on the finish. I especially like the way the wine turns more elegant and finessed with time in the glass. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. 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

The powerhouse 2008 Zinfandel Hartford Vineyard, from 95-year old vines, hides its rather formidable alcohol level beautifully (it’s a great example of why technical numbers add up to nothing). A deep ruby/purple color is accompanied by glorious aromas of blackberries, boysenberries, raspberries, earth, and spice. Full-bodied as well as remarkably elegant and textured, this beauty is an exquisite example of old vine Zinfandel from northern California. Drink it over the next 7-8 years.Part of the Jess Jackson empire, proprietors Don and Jennifer Hartford not only produce superb Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, but also some of the finest Zinfandels made in northern California. All of these wines are bottled unfined and unfiltered.Tel. (866) 462-4641; Fax (866) 853-1707

The least expensive offering is the 2008 Zinfandel Russian River, a dark ruby/purple-hued effort displaying a big, ripe nose of black raspberries, briery mountain fruit, pepper, spice, and earth with a hint of wood smoke in the background. Full-bodied, fleshy, and rich, this impressive Zinfandel can be drunk over the next 4-5 years. Part of the Jess Jackson empire, proprietors Don and Jennifer Hartford not only produce superb Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, but also some of the finest Zinfandels made in northern California. All of these wines are bottled unfined and unfiltered.Tel. (866) 462-4641; Fax (866) 853-1707