Fess Parker
2017 Pinot Noir
, Sta. Rita Hills
Older Barrels
94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
93 Points - Wine Enthusiast
92 Points - Wine Spectator
91 Points - Vinous
90 Points - Wine & Spirits
Irresistibly Californian in its sunny, fruit-forward style... with aromas of red cherry, wild thyme and sage. It hits the palate with heft, delivering boysenberry, bay leaf and peppercorn spiced fruits in the mouth with ripe, grainy tannins and great juicy acidity, finishing long and layered.
An elegant red, featuring fine-grained red fruit flavors that are filled with lithe minerality and spiciness. Crunchy adidity ties all the elements together. Finishes with touches of cocoa powder. ~ Wine Spectator
The 2017 Pinot Noir Older Barrels is a selection from Ashley's done in all neutral oak, which, not surprisingly, brings out a decidedly understated and gracious expression of the Sta. Rita hills. Floral and spiced notes are nicely lifted over a core of sweet Pinot fruit. ~ Antonio Galloni's Vinous
With its forward strawberry fruit and cinnamon-stick oak spice, this wine is irresistibly Californian in its sunny, fruit-forward disposition. It's simple and crowd-pleasing, for a pork loin dinner. ~ Wine & Spirits
Appellation: Sta. Rita Hills
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir (Clones Pommard, 667, 777, 115 & 114)
Vineyard Source: 100% Ashley's Vineyard (Blocks W, 4A & 1)
Harvest Dates: 9/6/17 - 9/15/17
Aging: 17 months in 100% neutral 4-year old & older French oak barrels
Cooperage: Ermitage, Seguin Moreau, Sirugue, Meyrieux, Bel Air
Harvest Brix: 23.3 - 26.2
Acid: 0.626 g/100mL
pH: 3.56
Alcohol: 14.1%
Production: 301 cases
Tasting Notes 
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When Fess Parker was cast in the roll of Davy Crockett in the mid-1950’s, it caused an international sensation and changed his life forever. So too did the purchase of 714 acres in the Santa Ynez Valley change the course of the Parker family’s history.
Realizing the potential of Santa Barbara County as a premium grape-growing region, Fess and his son, Eli, originally set out in 1989 to plant a small vineyard and sell fruit to local producers. But, as Fess’ daughter, Ashley explains, “ Fess is from Texas, so he can’t do anything small. “The Fess Parker Winery and Vineyard now farms almost 700 acres on four vineyards throughout Santa Barbara County.
Ashley Parker Snider and Eli Parker remain involved as stewards of their father’s vision. Ashley’s husband, Tim Snider, serves as winery President and oversees the sales, marketing and day to day operations of the winery. Blair Fox assumed the role of head winemaker in 2005.
The home ranch vineyard, named for Fess’s late son-in-law, Rodney, has earned a great reputation for the quality of its Rhône varietals, while long term contracts with some of the finest vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA are the fruit sources for the winery’s Burgundian offerings.
In recent years the winery has sharpened its focus toward production of more small lot, vineyard designated and clonal selection Rhône and Burgundian varietals.
Learn more at www.fessparker.com.
