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
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.
91 Points
Shimmering ruby-purple hue. The nose is a walk through a damp Sonoma forest—mossy bark and wild earth—brightened by high-toned notes of cranberry sauce and blood orange. On the palate, it's generously long in the mouth, with good concentration. It's a masterclass in tension: intense, cherry and red current fruit meets dark spice and fine, sandy tannins.
96 Point Vintage
Entices with aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry, and cedar spice. Indicative of the cool vintage, the wine carries a freshness throughout. The palate offers a harmonious balance between bright red fruit, spice, and nicely woven tannins.
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.
97 Points
Rich dark fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of baking spices, licorice, coffee, and chocolate that interlace seamlessly with complexity, creating a wine that is both structured and delightfully supple, achieving an ideal balance of tension and grace. Artfully composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Cabernet Franc, resulting in harmonious depth and freshness.
92 Points
A powerful expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. On the nose, it's enticing and fragrant, bursting with fresh blueberries, blackberry tart, cedar, black olives, and hints of spicebox. Its palate provides big, round chewy tannins, sweet ripe black cherries, blackberry cordial, Bourbon-soaked maraschino cherries, maple roasted walnuts, and a touch of vanilla.
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