Hartford Family Winery Hartford Court Far Coast Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023 750ml

Product Info

95pts Vinous Media
Expressive and open-knit, the 2023 Pinot Noir Far Coast Vineyard is dark, brooding and so velvety. Pomegranate, dark chocolate, incense, bay leaf, crushed rocks and graphite sizzle with intensity. It’s a pure, muscular wine that speaks with understated authority. The 2023 is a bit compact and clearly in need of cellaring, but your patience will be rewarded. Drinking Window 2028 – 2033 - By Billy Norris on January 2026

Founded in 1994, Hartford is a bastion of fine single-site wines from across Sonoma County. Proprietor Don Hartford is still very hands-on to this day, with winemaking overseen by Jeff Stewart and Tiaan Lordan. This extensive portfolio of single-vineyard Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs and Zinfandels (plus a few others) focuses on a diverse array of sites, all expressed through entirely native fermentations and modest use of new oak in élevage. Chardonnays and Pinots see 14-15 months in barrel, while Zinfandels see 9-10 months. It’s a formula that works quite well. There are several highlights within the range of mostly 2023s I tasted for this report, but the multitude of single-vineyard bottlings can begin to run together and don’t necessarily show enough differentiation to merit so many individual bottlings. I find the old-vine Zinfandels especially compelling: vibrant, old school and loaded with character. That said, you’re very unlikely to go wrong if you throw a dart here.

94pts Wine Advocate
Matured for 15 months in 19% new French oak, the 2023 Pinot Noir Far Coast Vineyard has slowly unfurling aromas of wild berries, oolong tea leaves, nori and floral perfume. The full-bodied palate is powerfully styled with generous, ripe, spicy flavors and firm, grainy tannins. It’s balanced by vibrant acidity and has a long, dynamic finish. It will benefit from time in the cellar. 348 cases were made. Published: Oct 16, 2025 Reviewed by: Erin Brooks

Terroir
Perched on the rugged western ridges of the Sonoma Coast, Far Coast Vineyard is among California’s most dramatic and isolated Pinot Noir sites. Located just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean, the vineyard sits at elevations that capture persistent maritime influence, where cold ocean winds, coastal fog, and rapidly shifting temperatures define the growing environment. These extreme conditions slow ripening considerably, preserving acidity and aromatic complexity while allowing fruit to develop depth without excessive weight.

The vineyard’s soils are predominantly weathered sandstone and fractured shale, offering exceptional drainage and forcing vines to struggle for nutrients and water. This natural limitation reduces yields and intensifies flavor concentration while contributing a distinctly mineral-driven character. The 2023 vintage highlights the site’s hallmark balance between power and freshness, capturing the tension that defines truly coastal Pinot Noir.

Winemaking
Hartford Court approaches Far Coast Vineyard with a philosophy centered on site transparency and precision. Fruit is harvested by hand at optimal maturity, often in multiple passes to capture ideal ripeness across the vineyard’s varied exposures. Fermentation is conducted in small lots using a combination of whole berries and carefully selected whole clusters, depending on vintage conditions and structural goals.

Native and cultured yeasts may be employed to enhance aromatic complexity while ensuring consistent fermentation. Extraction is deliberately gentle, preserving the delicate structure and layered aromatics inherent to the vineyard. The wine is aged in French oak barrels, with a restrained percentage of new oak chosen to complement the fruit and enhance texture without overwhelming the wine’s coastal character. Extended élevage allows the components to integrate while maintaining vibrancy and definition.

Tasting Notes
The 2023 Far Coast Vineyard Pinot Noir presents a deep ruby color with brilliant clarity. Aromatically, it is immediately captivating, offering layered notes of black cherry, wild blackberry, and dark raspberry, intertwined with coastal nuances of forest floor, crushed rock, and subtle oceanic salinity. Floral hints of violet and rose petal add lift, while delicate spice and cedar emerge with air.

On the palate, the wine is medium- to full-bodied, delivering both richness and remarkable precision. Dark red and blue fruit flavors unfold across a textured, finely structured mid-palate supported by vibrant acidity. Tannins are polished yet persistent, reflecting the vineyard’s rugged soils and coastal exposure. A distinct mineral thread carries through the wine, lending focus and length. The finish is long and resonant, leaving lingering impressions of ripe berry fruit, savory spice, and saline complexity.

Food Pairings
The Far Coast Vineyard Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with dishes that mirror its depth and savory dimension. It excels alongside roast duck, grilled lamb, and herb-crusted pork, as well as mushroom-driven dishes such as wild mushroom risotto or roasted maitake. The wine’s acidity and coastal freshness also complement grilled salmon or tuna prepared with earthy or herbal accents.

Cheese pairings include aged Gruyère, Tomme-style cheeses, or washed-rind selections that enhance the wine’s savory complexity. Serve at approximately 55–58°F, and consider a gentle decant in its youth to allow the wine’s layered aromatics to fully unfold.

Cellaring & Longevity
While expressive and compelling upon release, the 2023 Far Coast Vineyard Pinot Noir possesses the structure and balance to evolve gracefully. Early drinking emphasizes vibrant fruit and coastal freshness, while extended aging will reveal deeper savory tones, dried floral nuances, and forest floor complexity.

With proper cellaring, this wine should develop beautifully over 10–15 years, maintaining both energy and sophistication. It stands as a striking example of Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir—dramatic, site-driven, and meticulously crafted.