Hartford Court Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2023

There may be no better bang for your buck in Russian River Valley Chardonnay. Rich, unctuous and velvety, it is expansive and balanced, with lush layers of peach and pear dusted in nutmeg. The oak is well-integrated and contributes cohesive elements of baking spice. Editors’ Choice. —V.B.

Another appellation wine, the 2023 Chardonnay Russian River Valley is a bright golden yellow color and offers notes of poached yellow apples, toasted spice, almond, chamomile, and lemon curd. The palate is full-bodied and elegant, as is characteristic of this vintage, and has an even and floating feel on the finish. It’s ripe and has a more pithy texture, but it’s well-detailed and more immediate. Well-suited for restaurants, it should drink well now or over the coming 5-6 years.

A vibrant white, with a tight and juicy mix of lime sherbet, pear and lemon flavors, plus notes of ginger and lemongrass, all on a sleek, mouthwatering frame. Lemon sorbet, lemon verbena and crunchy star fruit flavors sing on the finish. Drink now. 28,745 cases made.