2007 Fess Parker "Ashley's Vineyard" Chardonnay
California’s Central Coast, with its cool, marine-influenced climate has garnered a great deal of attention for its Pinot Noir, and while it’s easy to taste why, Burgundy’s other noble grape, Chardonnay, fares equally well in this region, yet doesn’t get as much hype. For the consumer, this means that there are great deals to be had, and that’s what we are always looking for at WineHeist.
The 2007 Fess Parker “Ashley’s Vineyards Chardonnay is nearly gold in color, with a hint of olive. Intense aromas of apple, lemon peel, pine nut and almond stream from the glass. The rich, round palate is loaded with apricot, citrus, green apple, butter, and spice. This chardonnay is definitely full steam ahead, powerful and full-bodied, with incredible intensity for a wine of this price. This is a chardonnay to give to your friends who claim white wine is too light, and watch their surprise. It also needs to be paired with rich food, as it could easily overpower a delicate fish or poultry dish. Try it with soft, ripe cheese, or pasta with heavy cream sauce. This one is definitely not for the faint of heart!
Vineyard Source: 100% Rancho Las Hermanas Vineyard (Formerly Ashley’s) In The Sta. Rita Hills
Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Barrel Aging: 10 Months Sur Lie In 40% New French Oak
Cooperage: Boutes, T.Mercurey, Sirugue & Francois Frerer
Harvest Date: October 25th
Brix: 23.5 – 25.6
Alcohol: 14.1% Alcohol By Volume
P.H.: 3.53
T.A.: .67 G/100Ml
Production: 3613-6 Pack 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.
The characters Fess portrayed, Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone, inspired generations of Americans. Throughout the late 1950’s and 1960’s Fess was at the pinnacle of a television career that has an unprecedented impact upon American popular culture. But is was Fess’ entrepreneurial spirit that prompted his leaving Hollywood to go into business for himself. The traits that Crockett and Boone embodied - integrity, resourcefulness and good humor -- L-R Tim Snider, Fess Parker, Ashley Parker Snider, Eli Parkercarried over to Fess’ personal life and formed the foundation upon which the family business was built. First-class hospitality has always been at the core of their ventures, first as hoteliers and eventually with the opening of the winery.
Working as a family has always been a great source of pride and pleasure for the Parker family. Eli Parker began in the family business as assistant winemaker in 1989. After several years of learning the craft at the side of renowned and accomplished winemakers, Eli took the reigns as winemaker himself with the 1995 vintage. A leader of the winery since it’s inception, it was in 1996 that Eli formally assumed the title and responsibilities of President. In the early 1990’s, Ashley ran the first tastings out of the barrel room and represented the winery at trade shows. In 1998, Ashley became Eli’s partner, working on the public relations and sales and marketing teams. The presence of Fess and his wife Marcy as the founding visionaries of the winery is a vital and enduring one.
More at www.fessparker.com.
