Fess Parker Winery
2007 "Ashley's Vineyard" Pinot Noir

94 Points - Wine Enthusiast, (Named #25 in Top 100 Cellar Selections of 2009)
91 Points - Allen Meadows-Burghound.com
90 Points - Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
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) and Robert Parker (90 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

Tasting Notes  PDF

About The Winery...

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.

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