Fess Parker
2017 Chardonnay
, Santa Maria Valley
Sierra Madre Vineyard
91 Points - Wine Enthusiast
91 Points - Vinous
Aromas bright orchard fruit, lemon confit and white flowers. The palate is crisp, fresh, ripe and savory all at once... a nice interplay of honeyed citrus fruits in the mouth, with a light to medium weight, juicy acidity presenting flavors of Asian pear, nectarine and Rainier cherry with a smooth textured finish of new French oak.
Sierra Madre Vineyard experiences ample fog and cool breezes funneled directly from the Pacific coastline which makes for very slow ripening and well developed flavors with great depth.
Barrel fermentation and subsequent sur lie aging give this wine a rich and creamy texture. The extended ripening process delivers aromas of a ripe asian pear, wet stone and citrus that are followed by flavors of creamy vanilla, apple pie and pear. Best when served lightly chilled, this wine is smooth, luscious and eminently drinkable.
Dried lemons, poached apple, buttered toast and sandalwood converge for a classic yet expertly restrained nose on this bottling from a historic vineyard. The palate is crisp, fresh, ripe and savory all at once, presenting flavors of Asian pear, nectarine and Rainier cherry. ~ Wine Enthusiast
...offers a classic expression of this Santa Maria site in its bright orchard fruit, lemon confit and white flowers, with a hint of new French oak that adds further shades of dimension. The Sierra Madre is all about nuance, and there is plenty of that here. ~ Antonio Galloni's Vinous
Appellation: Santa Maria Valley
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Vineyard Source: 100% Sierra Madre Vineyard (Block 210)
Harvest Dates: 9/12/17
Aging: 100% barrel fermented & aged for 9 months in 30% new French oak
Cooperage: Mercurey, Boutes
Harvest Brix: 24.0
Acid: 0.786 g/100ml
pH: 3.26
Alcohol: 14.1%
Production: 350 cases
Tasting Notes 
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When Fess Parker was cast in the roll of Davy Crockett in the mid-1950’s, it caused an international sensation and changed his life forever. So too did the purchase of 714 acres in the Santa Ynez Valley change the course of the Parker family’s history.
Realizing the potential of Santa Barbara County as a premium grape-growing region, Fess and his son, Eli, originally set out in 1989 to plant a small vineyard and sell fruit to local producers. But, as Fess’ daughter, Ashley explains, “ Fess is from Texas, so he can’t do anything small. “The Fess Parker Winery and Vineyard now farms almost 700 acres on four vineyards throughout Santa Barbara County.
Ashley Parker Snider and Eli Parker remain involved as stewards of their father’s vision. Ashley’s husband, Tim Snider, serves as winery President and oversees the sales, marketing and day to day operations of the winery. Blair Fox assumed the role of head winemaker in 2005.
The home ranch vineyard, named for Fess’s late son-in-law, Rodney, has earned a great reputation for the quality of its Rhône varietals, while long term contracts with some of the finest vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA are the fruit sources for the winery’s Burgundian offerings.
In recent years the winery has sharpened its focus toward production of more small lot, vineyard designated and clonal selection Rhône and Burgundian varietals.
Learn more at www.fessparker.com.
