The 2018 Pinot Noir Sevens Bench Vineyard was aged for 17 months in French oak barrels, 37% new. Pale to medium ruby-purple in color, it bursts with notes of red currant jelly, black cherries and mulberries plus exotic touches of cumin seed, cloves and cardamom. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with red and black berry flavors, framed by grainy tannins, finishing long and spicy. 170 cases were made.

Pale to medium ruby-purple colored, the 2017 Pinot Noir Sevens Bench Vineyard leaps from the glass with open-knit notes of baked red and black cherries, raspberry pie and mulberries with touches of forest floor and tobacco leaf. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is generous and juicy, offering a plush texture and appealing freshness, finishing long and earthy. 217 cases were made.

The 2009 Pinot Noir Seven’s Bench Vineyard is a big, rich wine endowed with generous fruit and an open, radiant personality. It shows the exuberance of the 777 and 667 clones planted on clay soils. Subtle earthy notes, black cherries and licorice develop in the glass, adding complexity. 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

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