92 points - Wine & Spirits
In 2011, California saw very unusual weather, with a very wet winter, cool temperatures throughout the year, and some early rain in the fall in the northern part of the state. For this reason the vintage has suffered a lot of criticism in the wine press, but this kind of generalization has led to many excellent wines being overlooked. Depending on the timing of grape ripening, some vineyards weren't affected by the rain at all. Still others were in areas that really didn't see a huge amount of rain at all. Today's offering comes from just such a vineyard: Bien Nacido in the Santa Maria Valley. Bien Nacido is an iconic California Pinot Noir vineyard, and in the hands of a good producer, is capable of making extraordinary wine.
The 2011 Fess Parker Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir is deep garnet in color, with ruby at the core. The nose shows typical Pinot aromas of dark berry, raspberry, and cherry, along with more exotic notes of espresso, vanilla, and dried herb. The palate pairs juice black cherry flavors with blackberry, spice, and a hint of tobacco. Fairly lush on the palate yet with bright fruit, this is a beautifully balanced pinot, with an interesting spice note that lingers on the palate. This wine is drinking beautifully today, and should continue to improve over the next 3-5 years.
Vineyard Source: Bien Nacido
Appellation: Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Barrel Aging: 100% Barrel fermented & aged 16 months in 80% new French oak
Harvest Date: October 4th-12th
Clone Selection: Pomard & 2A
Brix: 24.2-25.1
Alcohol: 14.1%
p.H.: 3.51
T.A.: 0.591 g/100ml
Production: 807 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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