2018 Fess Parker "Bien Nacido Vineyard" Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay

93 Points Vinous: "The 2018 Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard is another airy, gracious Chardonnay in this range. Green pear, white flowers, mint, slate and crushed rocks are all nicely lifted. The 2018 is a bit taut today. It will be interesting to see if more weight develops in bottle. Even so, the 2018 is intriguing and delicious. Blair Fox makes a wide range of wines for the Fess Parker empire, but arguably his finest work is here, at the flagship. The top Chardonnays and Pinots I tasted are among the finest wines of the year. Readers will want to check out the Pinot from the original 1971 planting in Sanford & Benedict, some of the most highly coveted fruit in the entire region." (6/2020)

92 Points from Wine Enthusiast Magazine: "There's a tightly woven streak of Meyer lemon peel on the nose of this single-vineyard expression yet there are also warmer tones of white peach and blanched almonds. The lean yet expressive palate's lemon-blossom tang picks up broad yellow-flower flavors into the finish." (7/1/20)

92 Points from Wine & Spirits Magazine: "You can smell the minerality in this bright, floral chardonnay from a block Fess Parker has been drawing from since 2007. It’s there in a kind of white-clay dustiness that underlies the yuzu blossom and lemon curd notes, the wine subtly rich, with a roasted-nut depth of flavor. For chilled prawns and romesco sauce." (10/20)

91 Points from Wine Spectator: "Crunchy and fresh, with a deep core of apple, citrus and melon flavors, interwoven with vibrant savory and minerally elements. Offers a pure and rich-tasting finish. Drink now through 2025. 668 cases made." (8/31/2020)

91 Points from Jeb Dunnuck: "More spice, chamomile, white pepper, and resinous herb notes emerge from the medium-bodied 2018 Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard. It offers integrated acidity, a crisp, clean mouthfeel, and a great finish. I loved these latest releases from Fess Parker (made by Blair Fox), and this lineup has some serious values as well as great wines." (8/4/2020)