Fess Parker "American Tradition Reserve" Chardonnay 2006

Tuesday night found me yet again at MA4 with my friend Sarah. She was running late having had to do an emergency "bead stop" to replenish her supply for some fantastic faire garb so I was already well into my first glass of this lovely Chardonnay from Fess Parker. The wine had a beautiful straw tint to it that I find pleasing in Chardonnay. The nose was pretty, hints of orange blossom, a little pear, some honey, with the promise of a light creamy experience to come... and boy did it deliver. I have to say, I'm not a huge fan of Chardonnay except from a few places and Fess Parker has become one of those places. This wine had a hint of body perfect (to me) for a Chardonnay with good acid structure and alcohol without the usual heat or sharpness you can get from an unbalanced wine. The flavors delivered what was expected, pears, very light citrus and a slight buttery creaminess that was delicious. Not as elegant as the Ashley's Vineyard but another solid Chardonnay performance. This wine went quite well with the cheese and fruit plate I had as well as the calamari.

Number of wines reviewed in 2010: 41

Fess Parker 2005 American Tradition Reserve Syrah

OK, I think I've raved enough about the Fess Parker wines, especially their Syrah and Pinot offerings, to know what I am going to say. This wine, the 2005 American Tradition Reserve Syrah was fantastic, perfect on a chilly San Diego evening. The nose was a lovely blend of chocolate, anise, and black cherry with a promise of a little spicy heat which delivered on the palate. Black fruits, pepper and spice with a touch of heat from the alcohol all came together with the acid to make the mouth water and the combined with the smooth tannins created a tasty, long finish. They are now selling the 2006 on their Web site but I am expecting great things of that as well (will probably be reviewing that one next week... if I can wait that long).

Wines reviewed in 2009: 221