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
95 Points
Entices with aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry, and cedar spice. Indicative of the cool vintage, the wine carries a freshness throughout. The palate offers a harmonious balance between bright red fruit, spice, and nicely woven tannins.
93 Points
Aromas of blackcurrant, dark plum, and cedar unfold alongside soft notes of vanilla and toasted oak. On the palate, structured tannins frame layers of black cherry, baking spice, and a subtle herbal lift from the Merlot blended beneath the Cabernet's backbone. Medium-bodied gem with good concentration finishing long and warm, with lingering impressions of cocoa and dried fig.
94 Points
Decadent, rich, and supple. Aromas of black cherry, dark chocolate, crushed stone, dried herbs, and cedar lead into layered notes of cassis, fennel, baked plums, mocha powder, and cigars dusted with roasted Herbs de Provence, earth and red volcanic mineral notes. Full-bodied and rich, with a firm spine of racy acidity and ultra-fine, gravelly tannins that carry the lasting, mouthwatering finish.
94 Point Vintage
Deep garnet core with an elegant ruby-brick rim—a striking sign of its library maturity. Aromas of black cherry, cassis, and macerated blackberry, seamlessly transitioning into sophisticated layers of cedar, graphite, crushed violet, and cured tobacco. A savory accent of bay laurel, cocoa nib, and warm earth adds impressive intrigue. The palate delivers dense dark fruit framed by velvety, melted tannins and vibrant acidity that keeps the wine lifted and fresh. Finishes long and seamlessly, lingering with espresso, black plum, aged leather, and a fine crushed-stone minerality.
Exceptional
In the glass this wine open with aromas of ripe black cherry, bark, cedar, dried orange peel, a touch of black pepper. The palate equally rich with flavors expanding into notes of fresh picked cherry, chocolate, and crushed stone and a touch of white pepper. Together, these lavish flavors, coupled with an elegant mouthfeel and a long engaging finish make a fantastic wine.
96 Points
Aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry liqueur, and purple flowers drive the nose of this energetic Syrah which is co-fermented with a whisper of Viognier. Gracing the palate are dark berries, plum, blackberries, peppercorns, hints of sweet tobacco, and well-positioned oak spice with plush acid and rich tannin peaking through the finish.
