Fess Parker Santa Barbara County Chardonnay
Buy at Amathus →🍷 Overview
A quintessential California Chardonnay showcasing the generous, sun-kissed character of Santa Barbara County. This wine embraces oak ageing with confidence, delivering pronounced vanilla and butter notes alongside ripe tropical fruits. The full body and creamy texture make it rich and indulgent, while balanced acidity keeps it from becoming cloying. A crowd-pleasing style that exemplifies American Chardonnay.
👁️ Appearance
The deep golden colour is a giveaway for oak-aged Chardonnay—the wood imparts both colour and texture. The rich, almost honeyed hue promises a wine of concentration and intensity.
👃 Nose
Unashamedly Californian, this nose delivers the full oak-aged Chardonnay experience. Rich vanilla hits first, followed by butter and toasted brioche—the hallmarks of malolactic fermentation and barrel ageing. The fruit is tropical and generous: ripe pineapple, juicy peach, and hints of baked apple. A touch of butterscotch adds sweetness to the aromatics. This is a wine that doesn't hold back—bold, rich, and crowd-pleasing.
Intensity: Pronounced | Condition: Clean, rich
Le Nez du Vin Aroma References
Primary Aromas (fruit, floral)
Secondary Aromas (winemaking)
Tertiary Aromas (ageing)
None — this wine is best enjoyed young
👅 Palate
Flavour profile: Tropical fruits, butter, vanilla cream, toasted oak, hint of caramel
Finish: Long, creamy finish with lingering vanilla and tropical notes
📊 Structure
🌍 Terroir
Santa Barbara County's unique east-west orientation allows cool Pacific fog to funnel through the valleys, moderating temperatures and extending the growing season. The result is Chardonnay with both ripeness and freshness. Oak barrel fermentation and ageing add the characteristic buttery, vanilla notes.
🍽️ Food Pairings
Vegetarian & Vegan
- Creamy pasta
- Corn on the cob with butter
- Brie and crackers
- Roasted cauliflower
- Mac and cheese
Classic Pairings
- Lobster thermidor
- Roast chicken
- Crab cakes
- Grilled prawns
- Creamy fish pie