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
95 Points
Deep garnet-purple in color, it strides confidently out of the glass with notes of crushed blueberries, ripe, fresh blackberries and warm cassis plus hints of black cherry, cardamom and nutmeg. The full-bodied palate is full of crunchy black fruits. It's rich and ripe firm chewy tannins provide additional structure and complexity as you make your descent into a long and flavorful finish.
94 Points
Aromas of honey, ginger, and key lime radiate from this elegant Chardonnay. A burst of fresh citrus, lime, and star fruit enlivens the front palate upon first sip and is quickly followed by ginger and white pepper, all underscored by subtle notes of white peach and cardamom. Vibrant acidity and steely minerality give the wine excellent structure as it moves into a long, flavorful finish.
93 Points
Robust aromatics of boysenberry, blackberry, cranberry, and black cherry are the centerpiece of this wine, harmonizing with the underlying aromas of violets, sandalwood, and forest floor. The first sip opens on the palate with a rush of softness and density, and lush, savory tannins. Red berries, blackberry, and cassis envelop the tongue on the mid-palate, gently punctuated with subtle acidity followed by a long, flavorful finish.
90 Points
Aromas of cranberry, sour cherry, plum, and orange rind, complemented by hints of forest floor, pine needles, and rosemary. The wine opens with flavor of juicy red fruit supported by spicy undertones of red pepper and black tea. The freshness of its red fruit are enhanced a vibrant core of light acidity and full rich tannins all of which linger gracefully in the long finish.
94 Points
Aromas of fresh lime, verbena, and gooseberry are followed by a juicy, aromatic front palate with bright acidity that wakes up your taste buds. The heightened aromatics develop even greater complexity on the mid-palate, featuring fresh lemon and star fruit, with just a hint of green apple and mango. Gorgeous structural precision leads to a long and chiseled finish with lasting minerality.
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