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
95 Points
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.
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
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.
94 Point Vintage
Deep garnet core with an elegant ruby-brick rim—a striking sign of its library maturity. Aromas of black cherry, cassis, and macerated blackberry, seamlessly transitioning into sophisticated layers of cedar, graphite, crushed violet, and cured tobacco. A savory accent of bay laurel, cocoa nib, and warm earth adds impressive intrigue. The palate delivers dense dark fruit framed by velvety, melted tannins and vibrant acidity that keeps the wine lifted and fresh. Finishes long and seamlessly, lingering with espresso, black plum, aged leather, and a fine crushed-stone minerality.
Exceptional
In the glass this wine open with aromas of ripe black cherry, bark, cedar, dried orange peel, a touch of black pepper. The palate equally rich with flavors expanding into notes of fresh picked cherry, chocolate, and crushed stone and a touch of white pepper. Together, these lavish flavors, coupled with an elegant mouthfeel and a long engaging finish make a fantastic wine.
96 Points
Aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry liqueur, and purple flowers drive the nose of this energetic Syrah which is co-fermented with a whisper of Viognier. Gracing the palate are dark berries, plum, blackberries, peppercorns, hints of sweet tobacco, and well-positioned oak spice with plush acid and rich tannin peaking through the finish.
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