2021 Ashley's Chardonnay

Appellation

Sta. Rita Hills

Varietal

Chardonnay

Wine Enthusiast

Jeb Dunnuck

Vinous

Wine & Spirits

Vineyard Sources

100% Ashley's Vineyard (Blocks G, H & I) located in the Sta. Rita Hills appellation

Barrel Aging

100% barrel fermented and aged for 10 months in 42% new French oak

Cooperage

Mercurey, Francois Freres, Sirugue, Gillet

Technical Data

Composition

100% Chardonnay

Alcohol %

14.1

Acidity

0.680 g/100mL

3.39

Harvest Brix

23.4-25.2

Harvest Date

10/15-10/22/21

Production

908 cases

Description

Named after Fess' daughter, Ashley, this chardonnay represents the best of the acclaimed Sta. Rita Hills growing region. The majority of the grapes come from a vineyard developed by the Parker family in 1996 situated only 12 miles from the Pacific Ocean. The hillside sites, sandy soils, persistent ocean breezes and fog make for a cold growing environment; the perfect scenario for Chardonnay & Pinot Noir.

This wine shows bright apple, pear and citrus fruit flavors complemented by attractive mineral notes with vanilla and toasty oak notes from French oak aging. Enjoy!

Wine Critic Reviews

"Pure, balanced, and elegant, the 2021 Chardonnay Ashley's has bright stone fruits, white flowers, chalky mineral, and spicy notes in its medium-bodied, nicely balanced, seamless, layered profile." ~ Jeb Dunnuck "...bright, perfumed and nicely focused. This sandy site produces a Chardonnay with gorgeous aromatics. The cool vintage emphasizes the citrus and floral end of the flavor spectrum. Chiseled and vibrant, the 2021 is a winner." ~ Antonio Galloni's Vinous "This leads with scents of biscuit crumb, nutty and honey sweet. Its caramelized pear and apple flavors have a nutty back note, yet despite those assertive flavors, the wine feels reserved, settled, firm. Layered and well-composed, this is ready for pork loin." ~ Wine & Spirits "Slightly tart aromas of lime pith and citrus flesh show on the tightly wound nose of this bottling.There’s a leathery grip to the palate, where apple flesh, sea salt and peach flavors cling to the tense structure." ~ Wine Enthusiast