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HARTFORD COURT Stone Cote Vineyard Chardonnay The Stone Côte Vineyard is a small vineyard block within the renowned Durell Vineyard, which sits upon an ancient riverbed at the southern end of the Sonoma Coast AVA. The vineyard’s topography was shaped aeons ago by a river flowing through volcanic and sedimentary rock on its way to the San Pablo Bay. Tumbled and water-worn river rocks now litter the landscape, and very little topsoil remains. The nutritionally challenged soils force the vines to search deeply for nutrients and water, and as a result, the stressed vines yield very small clusters with intense varietal flavours. Climatically, this vineyard site is characterised by relatively cool daytime temperatures and maritime breezes, which marry with the low-fertility soils to create an ideal site for growing Chardonnay. The wine’s flinty aromas and mineral-laden finish are a reflection of this vineyard’s intrinsic terroir.

Domaine Lamy-Pillot 1er Cru En Creot, Saint Aubin Domaine Lamy-Pillot is a small family-run winery, established in 1973, which counts as relatively youthful for the region. The wines of Lamy-Pillot are consistent and drinkable in the very best sense. The 1er Cru En Creot hails from one of Saint Aubins higher sites. Lamy-Pillot describe this Chardonnay as a fat and greedy wine, rich with ripe yellow fruit, toasty butter, and honey.

Surrounded by Chablis vineyards on all sides, the family estate was founded in 1973 by Jean-Marc Brocard, who has since been joined by his son Julien. The estate spans almost 200 hectares, 66 of which are certified organic. Of all the Chablis Grands Crus, Vaudésir is the most delicate. Its lively, elegant character is utterly seductive. The slopes of the Vaudésir valley are steep and allow the grapes to express refined minerality. Appearance: Yellow with green glints. Nose: Precise and charming with toasted brioche aromas and orange and lemon notes. Palate: Refined and velvety with buttery notes. A powerful and persistent wine.

WillaKenzie is named after the ancient marine soil on which the vines are planted. The 420-acre estate is nestled in the hills of Oregon's Willamette Valley, featuring a patchwork of diverse vineyards planted among groves of fir trees and untouched pastures. WillaKenzie have practiced sustainable farming and winemaking since breaking ground so that the terroir-inspired wines might express the nuance and purity of this rugged, breathtaking valley.

AR Lenoble Champagne AR Lenoble is one of the rare producers in Champagne that has been consistently family-owned and entirely independent since the very beginning. In just over twenty years, the sister and brother owners have quietly yet confidently transformed AR Lenoble into one of the jewels of the Champagne region. The wine is of course made from 100% Chardonnay grapes sourced from the grand cru village of Chouilly and originating from one exceptional vintage. 25% of the blend is vinified in oak while the ageing takes place in magnums and the final wine receives a minimal dosage only (2g/l). The resulting wine is dry, exceptionally balanced and complex with great intensity and persistence. A phenomenally fresh palate despite its vintage.

As ever a distinguished wine, with a particular texture engendered by its citrussy acidity: the heavy lifting is provided by the immaculate white peach and pink grapefruit of a palate that is intense yet delicate, delicacy stemming from the way the wine flows through the mouthfeel and long finish.

Very restrained but attractive nose with ripe varietal fruit, citrus and melon, also plenty of crème brulee and almond meal. A beautiful chardonnay that will benefit from time in cellar to unwind.