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
Exceptional
Deep garnet-purple in color and strides confidently out of the glass with aromas of rich of crushed blueberries, ripe blackberry, cherry, cassis, tobacco, and hints of lightly toasted vanilla. Delivers a full-bodied palate chock full of black fruits, framed by rich and ripe structured, yet smooth tannins with a bold freshness.
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