TALES OF THE DUMP BUCKET, PART TWO: THE OPPOSITE OF ELIOT’S WHIMPER, OR BROTHER LOU COMES DRESSED TO IMPRESS AND DOES

Brother Lou’s encore performance this past Thursday in the Studio was some pretty incredible wines from Hartford/Hartford Court, plus a leftover from last week’s Schu-less stop:

Hartford Court Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2010.  Grade=Outstanding+.  I had almost forgotten just how good the wines of Hartford can be as this delicious, full-bodied Chardonnay shows off elegant yet rich notes of apple pie, pear tart, lemon meringue and a touch of mangosteen, candied ginger and cinnamon apple.  Finishes creamy and smooth.

Hartford Court Chardonnay Four Hearts 2009.  Grade=Amazing.  Stunning, voluptuous Chardonnay with breathtaking white flowers, hints of tangerine, nectarine, apricot, pear, peach, apple and an assortment of white baking spices, shades of caramel and butterscotch and creamy oak.

Hartford Court Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2010.  Grade=Amazing.  An incredible Pinot Noir with rich black cherry notes mingling with mulberry, cranberry, pomegranate, Chinese Five Spice, truffle, cinnamon and toasted oak.

Hartford Court Pinot Noir Land’s Edge 2007.  Grade=Outstanding.  While this seems to be losing some fruit, there is still a lot going on here, with cherry pie, smoky timber, coffee and baking spice notes.  Medium-to-full-bodied with smooth, velvety tannins.

Hartford Zinfandel Russian River Valley 2010.  Grade=Amazing.  Loads of boysenberry and blackberry fruit aromas and flavors, cracked black peppercorns, chocolate pie and nutmeg characters, a slight hint of brown sugar and creamy oak.  Finishes slightly dry and balanced.

Tangley Oaks Merlot Napa Valley 2008.  Grade=Very Good.  This is a pretty solid effort, but definitely seems diminished in comparison to the lineup of Hartford wines.  Medium-to-full-bodied, black fruits, spices and hints of mocha, sage and mint.