Hartford Family Sevens Bench Vineyard Pinot Noir Napa Carneros 2004

Sweet, spicy notes of cinnamon, black cherry jam, cold steel, and crushed rocks jump from the glass of the medium ruby-colored 2004 Pinot Noir Sevens Bench Vineyard. Riper than some of its siblings, with sweeter cherry fruit as well as abundant spice, it should be consumed over the next 3-4 years. This is one of my favorite wineries for Burgundian-styled Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs as well as full-throttle Zinfandels (although the 2005s are lighter than usual). Don Hartford and Jess Jackson have incredible access to some fabulous vineyards.