92 points - Wine Enthusiast
We’ve been singing the praises of the 2012 vintage in California for a while now, but, at the risk of sounding like a broken record, we are delighted to offer yet another truly exceptional pinot noir from this stunning vintage. Fess Parker winery is one of the top producers in the Santa Barbara region, and Ashley’s is one of their very best vineyards. Combine all that with a perfect vintage, and the result is a pinot noir that stands out even in a market crowded with beautiful wines. Having already scored 92-points from the Wine Enthusiast, it is a pleasure to join the chorus and recommend this wine to our clients.
The 2012 Fess Parker Ashley’s Vineyard Pinot Noir is bright garnet is color, with beautiful clarity. The nose is incredibly floral, with rose and jasmine joined by underlying notes of honeysuckle and fresh plum. Red and black berry flavors lead the way on the palate, with cherry and an underlying earthiness giving way to darker plum and tobacco flavors on the finish. Lush and pleasing on the palate, but with good structure, this is a perfect expression of Santa Barbara pinot noir. A definite candidate for the cellar, this should develop over the next 3-5 years and hold on for many more than that.
Vineyard Source: Ashley's Vineyard, Blocks T, 8B, 4A & 1
Appellation: Sta. Rita Hills
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Barrel Aging: 100% Barrel fermented & aged 16 months in 47% new French oak
Harvest Date: September 18 - October 9
Clone Selection: 114, 667, 777, 115
Brix: 23.3-25.2
Alcohol: 14.2%
p.H.: 3.60
T.A.: 0.599 g/100ml
Production: 895 cases
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