2019 Ashley's Chardonnay

New vintage release

Appellation

Sta. Rita Hills

Varietal

Chardonnay

Wine Enthusiast

Jeb Dunnuck

Vinous

Vineyard Sources

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

Barrel Aging

100% barrel fermented and aged for 9 months in 40% new French oak

Cooperage

Mercurey, Sirugue, Gillet, Boutes, Francois Freres, D’Aquitaine

Technical Data

Composition

100% Chardonnay

Alcohol %

13.3

Acidity

0.650 g/100mL

3.32

Harvest Brix

21.5-23.6

Harvest Date

10/7-10/9/19

Production

1812 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

"Tight lime and Mandarin peel aromas meet with tart pear flesh on the sharp and crisp nose of this bottling. At first, the palate is driven by intense mineral flavors of chalk, and then waves of baked lemon, toast and sea salt slide in, making for complex enjoyment." ~ Wine Enthusiast "The 2019 Chardonnay Ashley's shows the body and mix of saline and tropical inflections that are so distinctive in Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay. Lemon peel, pineapple and exotic white flowers all build effortlessly in the glass. This is very nicely done." ~ Antonio Galloni's Vinous "...deeper and richer, with more toast, hazelnut, and spice as well as ample tangerine and orchard fruits. Medium-bodied, nicely textured, and balanced, it has some textbook Sta. Rita Hills salinity and minerality on the finish..." ~ Jeb Dunnuck