92 Points - Wine Spectator
Gold Medal - San Francisco International Wine Competition
The "Sta. Rita Hills" AVA, in the cool, foggy valley near Santa Barbara, is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the most exciting Pinot Noir growing regions in California. With its cool climate, the grapes ripen evenly, yielding balanced wines whether the grapes are picked early for lighter style wine, or later for a bigger style. Fess Parker, one of the early wineries in this region tends toward the latter style, with ripe, rich wines sure to please California Pinot fans. Their 2010 Ashley's Vineyard Pinot, always a standout in their line-up, was recently scored 92 points by Wine Spectator.
The 2010 Fess Parker Ashley's Pinot Noir is medium ruby in color, with aromas of black cherry, red currant, lilac, and a spicy, almost grilled meat note. The palate is rich and intense, with blackberry and raspberry flavors joined by notes of clove, charcoal, and baking spice. Good acidity hold things together, and the finish goes on and on with ripe fruit and spice lingering for minutes. An exceptional Pinot Noir. Will pair exceptionally well with Roasted Duck, Fillet Mignon or Grilled Portobello Mushrooms. Drink now through 2020.
Vineyard Source: Ashley's Vineyard
Appellation: Sta. Rita Hills
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Barrel Aging: 16 Months In 50% New French Oak
Cooperage: Francois Freres, Remond, Seguin Moreau, Mercury
Harvest Date: October 4 - October 13
Clone Selection: Pommard & Clone 115
Tons Per Acre: 1.8 – 2.7
Brix: 24.4 – 25.7
Alcohol: 14.3%
p.H.: 3.61 T.A.: .625 G/100Ml
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.
95 Points
Lofty aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, and plum mingle with hints of baking spices and a touch of violet. The palate reveals luscious flavors of ripe berries, complemented by notes of black pepper and a subtle earthiness. With well-integrated tannins and a long lingering 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.
92 Points
Inviting aromas of ripe cherry, strawberry, and pomegranate. The palate unfolds with layered flavors of black cherry, raspberry cordial, vanilla bean and spice, where focused tannins envelop, leading to a rich red fruit finish with blue fruit undertones.
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.
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.
94 Points
Deep garnet in color from the ripe 2018 vintage, with open aromas of lush fruit – plum, blackberry, and cherry, and notes of cedar, vanilla, and white pepper. Across the palate it's quite seamless and silky, rich and concentrated. The fruit flavors are bold and vibrant. Mouth-filling with smooth tannins, great texture and a long delicious 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.
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.
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