I expected to enjoy this bottle and was not disappointed. Fess Parker's wines always seem to satisfy. After 7 years in the cellar, this wine delivered a balanced/old world Syrah flavor profile with a bit of spice and heft on the palate, and a medium finish. It's a nice change of pace to enjoy an aged Santa Barbara County Syrah like this in between drinking the big Napa Cabs and Zinfandel Cuvée beasts... adds perspective. Recommended.
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We received this bottle from Fess’ wine club in November, 2012. This is a 100% Syrah with grapes sourced from Fess’ estate winery (Rodney’s Vineyard, approximately 2/3) with the other (approximately) 1/3 of the grapes coming from the world-famous Camp Four Vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley. The bouquet is spicy, earthy, and floral, along with a hint of a suggestion of oak. Flavor-wise, this wine exhibits classic Cali Syrah characteristics of black fruits like plums and blackberries, along with a TON of black pepper and secondary elements of dried herbs. This wine has serious structure (tannins and acidity), though those elements harmonize well with the ripe fruit, dried herbs, earthy element, and a perfect amount of oak. The only problem with this wine is that it lacks the complexity and depth-of-flavors that better Cali Syrahs exhibit. I paired this wine with my “usual other white meat usual suspect” (CostCo pork loins spiced with CostCo’s “Sweet Mesquite” spice blend (which they no longer carry (which pisses me off beyond belief))). This Syrah paired fairly well with the pork loin but would pair better with a grilled steak, hamburger, and just about any other red meat dish (especially lamb (rack, chop, shank, etc.)). This wine is drinking well right now and thanks to the sharp acidity and ripe, (relatively) smooth tannins, this wine should continue to age/mature nicely for at least another 5+ years. If you like fruity, spicy, smooth, food-friendly (thanks to the acidity and tannins) Cali Syrahs, this one’s pretty good. Yes, you CAN find better Cali Syrahs (Fess’ “Rodney’s Vineyard” Syrah is ALWAYS a “killer”), but this one’s pretty good (not too surprising considering ALL of Fess’ wines are (at worst) good to (at best) FANTASTIC).
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Notes of licorice and prune, very full powerful aroma. Semi dry long smoky earthy and balanced finish. No trace of tannin left, this is fully mature, drink now.
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This is fully-developed and drink now...no more aging potential. It is a medium-bodied Syrah with notes of licorice and cedar. Not as inky as some, or as aromatic. The fruit is rather restrained, I would describe this as "elegant", ok as a sipping wine, the acidity to match some heartier foods has sort of gone bye-bye since last tasted.
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Very nice nose of fresh blackberries, pepper, and forest earth, followed up with a plate that adds iron and herbs to the blackberry and raspberry fruit. Persistent finish. Really outstanding, especially for the money.
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Not the style I expected, perhaps a cool-climate Syrah? Not jammy/juicy like a warm climate Syrah. Instead, spicy, hints of licorice lots of fruit/herbal taste. Better than medium finish. Medium-bodied, not robust... Barely acidic/tart enough to stand up to heartier dishes, particularly tomato-based. That said, all elements, including alcohol fully-integrated. OK wine for the money-just under $20. Just different style, drinking well now.
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Tried at a California tasting Bought a couple bottle. Pleasantly surprised how lovely this is. Yes classic Syrah from Cali but that's a good thing. Deep purple colour. Dark berries hint of mint and cinnamon Nothing but a good time! (sorry for the Poison reference 80s rock)
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Wonderful nose begins the experience. A deep, rich color from which no light escapes continue the admiration of this wine. Cherries and some spice start. In the mouth the taste is complex and well balanced with a nice finish. Hints of black berry, cinnamon, toast and some light mint are present. A very enjoyable wine.
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Enjoyable and very drinkable. Purchased this bottle at the winery several months ago. Still pleased with the taste. It is Cali Syrah. Nothing to write home about, but certainly, not cough syrup as some have suggested. The wine looks Ruby colored. The legs are Medium. The body is Medium/Full. The wine finishes Medium.
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7/2/2018 - GQG Likes this wine: 89 Points
I expected to enjoy this bottle and was not disappointed. Fess Parker's wines always seem to satisfy. After 7 years in the cellar, this wine delivered a balanced/old world Syrah flavor profile with a bit of spice and heft on the palate, and a medium finish. It's a nice change of pace to enjoy an aged Santa Barbara County Syrah like this in between drinking the big Napa Cabs and Zinfandel Cuvée beasts... adds perspective. Recommended.
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5/1/2015 - DaveZack Likes this wine: 88 Points
We received this bottle from Fess’ wine club in November, 2012. This is a 100% Syrah with grapes sourced from Fess’ estate winery (Rodney’s Vineyard, approximately 2/3) with the other (approximately) 1/3 of the grapes coming from the world-famous Camp Four Vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley.
The bouquet is spicy, earthy, and floral, along with a hint of a suggestion of oak. Flavor-wise, this wine exhibits classic Cali Syrah characteristics of black fruits like plums and blackberries, along with a TON of black pepper and secondary elements of dried herbs. This wine has serious structure (tannins and acidity), though those elements harmonize well with the ripe fruit, dried herbs, earthy element, and a perfect amount of oak. The only problem with this wine is that it lacks the complexity and depth-of-flavors that better Cali Syrahs exhibit.
I paired this wine with my “usual other white meat usual suspect” (CostCo pork loins spiced with CostCo’s “Sweet Mesquite” spice blend (which they no longer carry (which pisses me off beyond belief))). This Syrah paired fairly well with the pork loin but would pair better with a grilled steak, hamburger, and just about any other red meat dish (especially lamb (rack, chop, shank, etc.)).
This wine is drinking well right now and thanks to the sharp acidity and ripe, (relatively) smooth tannins, this wine should continue to age/mature nicely for at least another 5+ years. If you like fruity, spicy, smooth, food-friendly (thanks to the acidity and tannins) Cali Syrahs, this one’s pretty good. Yes, you CAN find better Cali Syrahs (Fess’ “Rodney’s Vineyard” Syrah is ALWAYS a “killer”), but this one’s pretty good (not too surprising considering ALL of Fess’ wines are (at worst) good to (at best) FANTASTIC).
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3/18/2015 - DbertCellar wrote: 88 Points
Notes of licorice and prune, very full powerful aroma. Semi dry long smoky earthy and balanced finish. No trace of tannin left, this is fully mature, drink now.
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12/16/2014 - Z1nnfull Likes this wine: 89 Points
This is fully-developed and drink now...no more aging potential. It is a medium-bodied Syrah with notes of licorice and cedar. Not as inky as some, or as aromatic. The fruit is rather restrained, I would describe this as "elegant", ok as a sipping wine, the acidity to match some heartier foods has sort of gone bye-bye since last tasted.
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8/8/2014 - pgm wrote: 91 Points
Very nice nose of fresh blackberries, pepper, and forest earth, followed up with a plate that adds iron and herbs to the blackberry and raspberry fruit. Persistent finish. Really outstanding, especially for the money.
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3/9/2014 - Z1nnfull Likes this wine: 89 Points
Not the style I expected, perhaps a cool-climate Syrah? Not jammy/juicy like a warm climate Syrah. Instead, spicy, hints of licorice lots of fruit/herbal taste. Better than medium finish. Medium-bodied, not robust... Barely acidic/tart enough to stand up to heartier dishes, particularly tomato-based. That said, all elements, including alcohol fully-integrated. OK wine for the money-just under $20. Just different style, drinking well now.
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12/28/2013 - acbc Does not like this wine: 79 Points
Tasted at FP winery. Not wild about this one compared to the other reds we tasted that day.
Deep color, raspberry nose, peppery and cinnamon palate.
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11/28/2013 - Martnmac wrote: 89 Points
Tried at a California tasting Bought a couple bottle. Pleasantly surprised how lovely this is. Yes classic Syrah from Cali but that's a good thing. Deep purple colour. Dark berries hint of mint and cinnamon Nothing but a good time! (sorry for the Poison reference 80s rock)
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4/6/2013 - petevino wrote: 90 Points
Classic Santa Barbara Syrah. Great wine for the price.
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2/10/2013 - rjdoan wrote: 92 Points
Wonderful nose begins the experience. A deep, rich color from which no light escapes continue the admiration of this wine. Cherries and some spice start. In the mouth the taste is complex and well balanced with a nice finish. Hints of black berry, cinnamon, toast and some light mint are present. A very enjoyable wine.
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12/21/2012 - hernandezt wrote: 88 Points
Enjoyable and very drinkable. Purchased this bottle at the winery several months ago. Still pleased with the taste. It is Cali Syrah. Nothing to write home about, but certainly, not cough syrup as some have suggested.
The wine looks Ruby colored. The legs are Medium. The body is Medium/Full. The wine finishes Medium.
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10/1/2012 - MitchL wrote: 83 Points
Drinkable, notes of cherry cough syrup.
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