The 2023 Fess Parker Chardonnay is a polished, approachable Santa Barbara Chardonnay balancing ripe California fruit with refreshing coastal acidity and restrained oak. Fruit is sourced across Santa Barbara County, including Santa Maria Valley, Los Alamos and Sta. Rita Hills.
Professional Ratings
| Critic |
Rating |
| Wine Enthusiast |
⭐ 91 points – Best Buy |
| Vinous |
91 points |
| Decanter |
91 points |
Wine Enthusiast also ranked it #22 in its Top 100 Best Buys, making the 2023 particularly noteworthy for value.
Wine Enthusiast – 91: Lime peel and baked apple lead into pear on the palate, supported by lively citrus acidity and an appealing textural quality.
Vinous – 91: Highlights expressive apricot, lemon peel, white flowers and crushed-rock minerality, giving the wine a brighter, more aromatic personality.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Golden apple, pear, lemon and melon with subtle vanilla, butter and toasted oak.
Palate: Medium-to-full bodied and smooth, showing ripe apple, pear and citrus with a touch of creamy richness. Bright acidity keeps the fruit and light oak influence fresh and balanced.
Finish: Clean and refreshing, with lingering citrus, orchard fruit and gentle toast.
Sommelier’s Take
This is an excellent crowd-friendly California Chardonnay—enough ripe fruit and creamy texture for guests who enjoy a richer style, but with enough acidity and mineral character to remain fresh. At around the $20 retail level, the trio of 91-point ratings makes it especially compelling.
Wine Enthusiast 91Points
...soars from the glass with striking aromatics. Hints of apricot, lemon peel, white flowers and crushed rocks follow. Effortless and gracious, the 2023 is a winner. The blend of sites picked at different levels of ripeness yields a Chardonnay of notable complexity, while a touch of Hungarian oak adds an attractive spicy character.
Vinous 91Points
This countywide cuvée is a very down-the-middle, benchmark style of Santa Barbara Chardonnay. Aromas of lime peel and baked apple lead from the nose into a texturally interesting palate that presents pear flavors awash in citrusy acidity.
