91 Points - RP
90 Points - Wine Enthusiast, (Cellar Selection)
90 Points - Stephen Tanzer
One of the great things about California wine is the diversity of regions in which grapes are grown and capable of making outstanding wines. This diversity ensures that when some areas are struck with a difficult vintage, many others are able to produce outstanding wines. Today's Heist is just such a wine and from one of our favorite producers. The 2008 Fess Parker Ashley's Vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills, offers great value with stunning quality. Critics as diverse as Stephen Tanzer (90 points) agree that this is truly an exceptional wine, and we couldn't wait to offer it to you.
The 2008 Fess Parker Ashley's Pinot Noir is medium ruby in color with a hint of garnet. The nose is classic Sta. Rita Hills, with black cherry and blackberry accompanied by hints of toasty oak. The palate is loaded with cherry, berry compote, licorice and chocolate, with just a hint of watermelon. Rich and lush with good acid and layers of complexity, this should age nicely over the next 5 years, although it has plenty to offer now. Serve this with slow cooked pork and you will be in heaven!
Vineyard: 100% Rancho Las Hermanas (formerly Ashley's Vineyard)
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Appellation: Sta. Rita Hills
Vineyard Designation: Ashley's Vineyard
Harvest Date: September 26th- October 9th
Acid: .675g/ 100ml
pH: 3.52
Aging: 16 months in 50% new French oak
Alcohol: 14.1%
Production: 2,465 - 6 pack cases
94 Points
Opens up with an aromatic burst of black cherry jam, wild huckleberry, and a hint of crushed espresso bean. On the palate, the fruit is lush and primary, but it's the secondary notes—toasted nutmeg, dark chocolate truffle, and the signature 'Dry Creek Dust'—that provide a long, savory finish.
95 Points
Aromas of wild berries, black fig and ripe dark fruits are intertwined with hints of fresh mountain herbs, mineral, leather, savory spices, and cigar box. On the palate, the rich fruit flavors of dark cherry, ripe plum, blackberry, red currants and cassis are layered with notes of wild sage, dark chocolate truffle, cinnamon, clove, and a kiss of oak.
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.
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