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
94 Points
Decadent, rich, and supple. Aromas of black cherry, dark chocolate, crushed stone, dried herbs, and cedar lead into layered notes of cassis, fennel, baked plums, mocha powder, and cigars dusted with roasted Herbs de Provence, earth and red volcanic mineral notes. Full-bodied and rich, with a firm spine of racy acidity and ultra-fine, gravelly tannins that carry the lasting, mouthwatering finish.
93 Points
Aromas of blackcurrant, dark plum, and cedar unfold alongside soft notes of vanilla and toasted oak. On the palate, structured tannins frame layers of black cherry, baking spice, and a subtle herbal lift from the Merlot blended beneath the Cabernet's backbone. Medium-bodied gem with good concentration finishing long and warm, with lingering impressions of cocoa and dried fig.
94 Points
A full-throttle, blackberry-driven red, laden with chalky minerality and layered with robust tannins. Violet scents mingle with fig and plum fruit in a medium- to full-bodied expression that hits all the right chords, delivering a pleasing one-two punch to the senses.
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