90 points – Antonio Galloni's Vinous
As California's Central Coast region gains recognition, a lot has been made about the cooler Sta. Rita Hills AVA being perfect for Pinot. However, a few insightful critics, and several savvy winemakers, have realized that this area has great potential for Chardonnay as well, which in recent vintages has been realized with critically acclaimed Chardonnays. One such Chardonnay comes from one of our favorite producers, Fess Parker.
The 2013 Fess Parker Ashley's Chardonnay is bright yellow-gold. Ripe citrus fruits and melon on the perfumed nose. Fleshy and smooth in texture but lively as well, offering energetic orange, pear and honeydew flavors accented by hints of ginger and mace. Packs a punch but remains bright and lithe, with no excess fat. Finishes with very good focus and spicy persistence, the melon note repeating.
Vineyard Source: Ashley's Vineyard
Appellation: Sta. Rita Hills
Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Barrel Aging: 8 months in 51% New French oak, 12% in 1-year old & 37% in 2-year or older French oak barrels
Harvest Date: October 3 - October 18
Brix: 23.5-25.1
Alcohol: 14.1%
p.H.: 3.28
T.A.: 0.715 g/100ml
Production: 2062 cases
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.
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
A full-throttle, blackberry-driven red, laden with chalky minerality and layered with robust tannins. Violet scents mingle with fig and plum fruit in a medium- to full-bodied expression that hits all the right chords, delivering a pleasing one-two punch to the senses.
