Fess Parker Santa Barbara County Chardonnay 2024 750ml

Product Info

90pts Vinous Media
The 2024 Chardonnay (Santa Barbara County) gives the impression of a basket of tropical fruit covered in flaky sea salt. Passion fruit, papaya and banana unfurl on the rounded, supple frame, grounded by notable mid-palate weight. There's real character here, especially for $20. Drinking Window 2025 – 2029 - By Billy Norris on August 2025

Terroir
Fess Parker’s Santa Barbara County Chardonnay draws from a mosaic of vineyards influenced by one of California’s most distinctive climatic features: the east–west transverse mountain ranges that funnel cool Pacific air deep into the region. From the Sta. Rita Hills to the Santa Maria Valley and portions of the Santa Ynez Valley, these sites benefit from persistent marine fog, steady afternoon winds, and pronounced diurnal shifts that slow ripening and preserve acidity.

Soils vary from marine-derived shale and limestone to sandy loam and alluvial deposits, contributing both textural breadth and mineral tension. The 2024 growing season offered a long, even ripening window with moderate warmth and consistent coastal influence. This allowed fruit to achieve full flavor development without excessive sugar accumulation, preserving freshness and structural balance. The resulting wine reflects Santa Barbara’s signature style: generous California fruit framed by vibrant coastal energy.

Winemaking & Technical Notes
Fruit is harvested in the cool early morning hours to retain natural acidity and aromatic clarity. Whole-cluster pressing minimizes phenolic extraction, and fermentation takes place in a combination of stainless steel tanks and French oak barrels. A measured percentage of new oak is incorporated to add depth and subtle spice while maintaining balance.

Primary fermentation is followed by partial malolactic conversion, lending creaminess and mid-palate roundness without sacrificing vibrancy. The wine is aged on fine lees for several months, with occasional bâtonnage to enhance texture and integration. This lees contact contributes nuanced notes of brioche and almond while reinforcing structural cohesion.

The winemaking philosophy emphasizes harmony—balancing fruit ripeness, acidity, and oak influence to create a Chardonnay that is expressive yet composed, approachable yet structured.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2024 vintage presents a luminous pale gold hue. Aromas open with ripe orchard fruit—Golden Delicious apple, pear, and white peach—layered with citrus blossom and lemon curd. Subtle hints of vanilla bean, toasted hazelnut, and a touch of coastal minerality emerge with air.

On the palate, the wine strikes a compelling balance between richness and freshness. Flavors of baked apple, Meyer lemon, and stone fruit glide across a supple mid-palate, supported by bright acidity that provides lift and direction. The oak influence is polished and integrated, contributing gentle spice and a creamy undertone without overwhelming the fruit. A mineral thread runs beneath the surface, giving structure and length. The texture is smooth yet energized, embodying the interplay of California warmth and maritime restraint.

Food Pairing & Service
Serve at 50–55°F in a Burgundy-style glass to allow the wine’s aromatic layers to unfold. This Chardonnay pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or lobster with drawn butter. Its balance of acidity and texture also complements creamy pasta dishes, risotto with wild mushrooms, or pork tenderloin with apple compote.

For cheese pairings, consider aged Gruyère or a triple-cream Brie, where the wine’s acidity cuts through richness while echoing its subtle nutty nuances.

Cellaring & Longevity
While immediately expressive and enjoyable in its youth, the 2024 Santa Barbara County Chardonnay possesses sufficient acidity and structural integrity to evolve over the next 5–7 years. With time, expect primary orchard fruit to deepen into notes of baked pear, toasted almond, and subtle honeyed complexity. Oak-derived spice will integrate further, revealing greater textural harmony.

Properly cellared, the wine may continue to develop for up to 8–10 years from vintage, gaining tertiary nuances of hazelnut, brioche, and gentle savory undertones. Though crafted for both early pleasure and mid-term aging, its balance ensures that it will reward patience without losing its hallmark coastal vibrancy.