94 Points - Wine Enthusiast, (Named #25 in Top 100 Cellar Selections of 2009)
91 Points - Allen Meadows-Burghound.com
90 Points - RP
Gold Medal - San Francisco International Wine Competition
It almost feels like Déjà vu; we've sung the praises of the 2007 California vintage—especially for Pinot Noir—before, and our customers our also already familiar with the outstanding wines being produced in the Sta. Rita Hills appellation by Fess Parker winery, but when a small allocation of a stunning wine turns up right under our nose, you know we will heist it every time. Such was the case when we found out there was still some remaining 2007 Ashley’s Pinot Noir from Fess Parker. Critics as diverse as Allen Meadows (Burghound—91 points) agree that this is an exceptional wine, so we couldn’t wait to offer it to our readers.
Ruby garnet in the glass, the 2007 Fess Parker Ashley’s Pinot Noir has a nose of black cherry compote, earthy, briary undertones, and just a touch toasty, vanilla flavored oak. The palate is mouth-filling and rich, echoing the cherry from the nose along with blackberry, tobacco and spice. Round and lush, with silky smooth tannin, the texture is just beautiful. At about 3 years of age, this one is probably just starting to round into form, and will cellar for another few years without any problem. It would pair beautifully with intense but mild dishes like Beef Bourgogne, and is sure to please a wide range of palates. It does a wonderful job of balancing the rich, ripe flavors common in Sta. Rita Hills Pinot with elegance and finesse. Don’t miss out on what may be one of the last 2007 pinots we are able to find for a while!
Vineyard Source: 100% Las Hermanas Vineyard (Formerly Ashley’s Vineyard) in Sta. Rita Hills
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Barrel Aging: 16 Months In 50% New French Oak
Cooperage: Sirugue, Francois Frerer, Ermitage, & Sequin Moreau
Harvest Date: September 18th – October 2nd
Brix: 22.6 – 25.6
Tons Per Acre: 0.8-2.6
Alcohol: 14.5%
P.H.: 3.54
T.A.: .63g/100ml
Production: 2095-6 Pack Cases
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
94 Points
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered finish.
96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous finish.
Exceptional!
Reddish-purple in color with aromas of blackberry, plum, pomegranate, herbs de Provence, and licorice. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry, cassis, and licorice that carries through, with notes of black pepper, mocha and chocolate. Very long, spicy, with a fruit-driven finish. Great aging potential.
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
PDF