S U M M E R N E W S L E T T E R 2 0 1 3

S UM M E R
N E W S L E T T E R
2 0 1 3
new member
BENEFITS
Access to Extraordinary Coffee
W
e have now partnered with Exotic Origins™
Coffee, an expert team offering the most
selective global portfolio of extraordinary coffees.
Exotic Origins is your passport to a new and deeper experience of rare
highly rated coffees. One of life’s most surprising pleasures is to taste the
difference between an excellent coffee and an extraordinary one. As with
fine wine, extraordinary coffee rewards the adventurous, educated palate.
The Fess Parker Santa Barbara Hotel
Beach Benefits
M
embership in Fess Parker
Wine Club is much more than
simply enjoying some of the best
wines in the region. You have access
to a wide array of Fess Parker familyowned properties throughout Santa
Barbara County and the lifestyle that
Fess wanted to share with friends and
family. Great food, great wines, great
hospitality … living life to the fullest.
In this spirit, we are excited to announce
that we are offering Wine Club Members
an ongoing 10% discount, based on best available rate, on rooms at
The Fess Parker Santa Barbara Resort. This 24-acre, ocean-front property
is a sophisticated escape to all the beauty Santa Barbara has to offer.
Members continue to receive selections of some of the best wine in Santa
Barbara County, while also receiving exclusive benefits like special pricing
on room rates at the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn & Spa, discounts with
our properties and partners such as the Champagne Spa, Epiphany Cellars,
horseback riding with Vino Vaqueros, “Bin 2860” International Beer &
Wine Shop, and Rancho San Marcos Golf Course. Don’t forget about our
quarterly pick-up parties and the ever popular, annual Release Day BBQ.
1
Summer Newsletter 2013
Coffee is the new wine! The profound complexities of coffee involve over
a thousand flavor constituents defining its aroma, character and finish.
Every Exotic Origins reserve has been awarded an excellence rating of 88
points or higher in blind tastings by independent panels of expert tasters.
(88 points for coffee is the equivalent of 92 points on the wine scale.)
Exotic Origins is committed to
making a difference. Through
exclusive direct relationships, each
coffee you select benefits these farms,
families and communities. Each
numbered box of Exotic Origins
has been cultivated, transported,
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Experience 88+ coffee’s true nuances and you will realize something
“magical” is in every cup of Exotic Origins Coffee. Enjoy!
To explore the world of fine coffee and place your order visit:
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As a Fess Parker Wine Club Member we invite you to discover these
amazing coffees at a 20% discount. Simply enter promotion code
“FESS67” when ordering through their website now through June 30th,
2013. (Note: Free shipping offered for 3 or more.)
P.O. Box 908 • Los Olivos, CA 93441 • (805)688.1545 • (800)841.1104 • FAX (805)686.1130 • www.fessparkerwines.com
head
WINEMAKER
FESS files
M
arch always comes as a relief to me. After months of early
sunsets, I’m always happy to roll the clock forward to take
advantage of those extra daylight hours at the end of the day.
For me, it signals the beginning of a new season. Summer is
right around the corner!
Another special March occasion
is Marcy’s (a.k.a. Mom’s)
birthday. Our whole family
gathered together to celebrate
the 55th anniversary of her 30th
birthday. It was a fun evening
with the whole family.
Happy birthday, Mom!
Eli Parker
Eli Parker
W
e have been exceptionally busy in the winery lately! All
of our wines seem to be selling faster than ever, and we
are trying to keep up with our bottling schedule. Lately we have
bottled our 2011 Santa Barbara County Syrah and our 2012
Santa Barbara County Chardonnay. Both wines are exceptional
and a great value for the superb quality.
The 2011 Santa Barbara County
Syrah is a blend of Rodney’s
and Camp Four vineyards. I use
predominately French oak for
its 18-month maturation, which
results in a rich, lush Syrah with
dark fruit and subtle spice. The
Chardonnay was 100% barrel
fermented in a combination of
French and Hungarian oak barrels
for 8 months. The lees (dead yeast
cells and sediment in the bottom
Blair Fox
of the barrels) were stirred monthly
to add mouthfeel and texture, while keeping the wine bright and
fresh. This is a very pretty Chardonnay, and I am sure it will be
well received.
The weather has been warm and beautiful, and we are looking
forward to another great growing season here in the Santa Ynez
Valley. We had a dry winter and spring, which usually means we
will need to irrigate more in the summer. Also, this dry weather
results in a smaller than average crop, but with that comes higher
quality. It is still too early to predict what will come this harvest,
but as always we are eagerly awaiting another vintage. I hope you
continue to enjoy the fruits of our labor, and cheers!
Eli, Marcy and great-granddaughter Adeline Eveaire
Blair Fox
Summer Newsletter 2013
2
the
Innside
scoop
behind the scenes
FROM TIM
B
Indulge Your Senses and Your Soul
S
ip your way through wine country visiting
eleven tasting rooms, savor an Italian inspired
romantic picnic for two, get pampered at the
Champagne Spa & Boutique with your choice of a
purifying facial or vino therapy massage, all while
enjoying three nights in Luxury accommodations
for two in downtown Los Olivos. This delightful
experience will entice your senses and relax your soul
with all that wine country has to offer.
Starting at $1,095*
*Package pricing is for two guests. Packages available Sunday through
Thursday only. Packages & discounts may not be available during special
events & holidays. Rates do not include applicable taxes. All packages
subject to availability.
For
reservations
call
800.446.2455
2860 Grand Avenue • Los Olivos, CA 93441
3
Summer Newsletter 2013
eing an “established” winery can be a double-edged sword. Having a
track record of critical acclaim and recognition from consumers and
the trade are the obvious advantages, but the downside is that human nature
always seems to draw us toward the new, “next big thing.” At Fess Parker we
try to balance this situation by staying true to the core values and principles
of the family while simultaneously looking for opportunities to stay fresh and
relevant within the market. Recently the repositioning of The Big Easy and
the appellation upgrade to the Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir have contributed to
keeping our program fresh and exciting. Another project that I’m excited to
share with you is some updated packaging that is hitting the tasting room and
stores now. We have bottled the 2012 vintage of Chardonnay SBC in Stelvinscrewcap closures, and changed the color scheme on the Riesling to clear glass
and brighter capsules. I think you’ll agree the
results are outstanding. The Stelvin closure
is increasingly popular among consumers
because it is easier to open and eliminates the
possibility of cork taint and oxidation issues.
The new Riesling bottle captures exactly what
we want in the wine: light, fresh and sleek.
We have exciting news to share on the Epiphany
front as well: We are making great progress on
moving the tasting room across the street to a
complex of buildings that has been owned by the
family for over 10 years. Fess used to jokingly
refer to the site as “World Headquarters.”
Tim Snider
Believe me, the results will be nothing short of
phenomenal! We are working with designers to completely renovate the front
building, and the new tasting room will feature a modern, open floor plan with
incredible indoor-outdoor hospitality opportunities. It will absolutely stand out
from the crowd in Los Olivos and be a great complement to what we do at Fess
Parker Winery. Stay tuned for more information on the opening!
Finally, for those of you hitting the road this summer, we have two new
national hotel-restaurants’ placements to keep in mind. All of the Hilton
hotels in the USA are featuring our Parker Station Pinot Noir by the glass,
and every McCormick & Schmick’s seafood restaurant is now carrying our
Ashley’s Chardonnay on their lists. Keep them in mind … you’re guaranteed
to find a good wine option.
Thank you for your ongoing support and have a great summer!
Tim Snider
Tim Snider, President
available
NOW
Prices subject to change. All of the wines listed below are available through our website at
www.fessparkerwines.com or for you traditionalists out there, through our tasting room at
800-841-1104. Shipping is available to the following states only: AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID,
IL, IA, KS, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NC, NE, NH, NV, NY, NM, ND, OH, OR, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV and WY
Retail
Bottle/Case
WINE CLUB
Bottle/Case
2012 CHARDONNAY “Santa Barbara County”............................................ $19 / $205.20......................... $15.20 / $182.40
2011 CHARDONNAY “Ashley’s”................................................................... $35 / $378.00......................... $28.00 / $336.00
2011 CHARDONNAY “Bien Nacido Vineyard”............................................ $35 / $378.00......................... $28.00 / $336.00
2011 CHARDONNAY “Sierra Madre Vineyard”........................................... $35 / $378.00......................... $28.00 / $336.00
2011 RIESLING “Santa Barbara County”...................................................... $15 / $162.00......................... $12.00 / $144.40
2011 DRY RIESLING “Rodney’s Vineyard”................................................... $24 / $259.20......................... $19.20 / $230.40
2010 VIOGNIER “Santa Barbara County”..................................................... $28 / $302.40......................... $22.40 / $268.80
2010 VIOGNIER “Rodney’s Vineyard”.......................................................... $35 / $378.00......................... $28.00 / $336.00
2011 PARKER FAMILY RESERVE WHITE “Santa Barbara County”........... $28 / $302.40......................... $22.40 / $268.80
2010 PINOT NOIR “Sta. Rita Hills”............................................................. $30 / $324.00......................... $24.00 / $288.00
2010 PINOT NOIR “Bien Nacido Vineyard”........................................................................................................... Sold Out
2010 PINOT NOIR “Ashley’s”....................................................................... $50 / $540.00......................... $40.00 / $480.00
2010 PINOT NOIR “Clone 115”............................................................................................................................. Sold Out
2011 PINOT NOIR “Pommard Clone”......................................................... $55 / $594.00......................... $44.00 / $528.00
2011 SYRAH “Santa Barbara County”............................................................ $28 / $302.40......................... $22.40 / $268.80
2010 SYRAH “Rodney’s Vineyard”................................................................. $49 / $529.20......................... $39.20 / $470.40
2009 “THE BIG EASY”................................................................................. $35 / $378.00......................... $28.00 / $336.00
2010 PARKER FAMILY RESERVE RED “Santa Barbara County”................ $24 / $259.20......................... $19.20 / $230.40
FRONTIER RED “Lot 123”.......................................................................... $13 / $140.40......................... $10.40 / $124.80
TRADITIONS “Port style wine” (375mL)..................................................... $16 / $172.80....................... $12.80 / $153.600
Summer Newsletter 2013
4
Summer 2013
Wine Club
CHARTER CLUB
1 Red + 1 White
in this
SHIPMENT
2010 Pommard Clone Pinot Noir
2011 Viognier
Vineyard Source:100% Las Hermanas Vineyard located in the
Sta Rita Hills
Composition:100% Pinot Noir
Harvest Date: 10/4/10
Block: W
Harvest Brix: 23.6
Barrel Aging:16 Months is 30% new French oak
Cooperage:Sirugue, François Frères, Boutes, Dargaud &
Jaegle, Quintessence, Ermitage
Alcohol: 15.2% alcohol by volume
pH: 3.61
T.A.: 0.639g/100ml
Production: 245 cases
Vineyard Source:100% Camp FourVineyard in the
Santa Ynez Valley
Composition:93% Viognier, 5% Grenache Blanc,
2% Roussanne
Barrel Aging:70% barrel aged & 30% stainless steel
fermented & aged; 10 months in 1-year and
older French oak
Harvest Dates: 9/13 – 10/12/11
Harvest Brix: 23.0 – 27.2
Alcohol: 15.2% alcohol by volume
pH: 3.52
T.A.: 0.714 g/100ml
Production: 1,921 cases
Sta Rita Hills
2011 Mélange Blanc $24
2010 Ashley’s Pinot Noir $50
Retail Price: $74
Club Price: $55.50
WHITE WINE CLUB
2 Whites
2011 Mélange Blanc $24
2011 SB County Viognier $28
Retail Price: $52
Club Price: $39
Aromas:
Cherry
Compote
Blackberry
Forest
Floor
Cedar
REDS ONLY CLUB
2 Reds
2010 Ashley’s Pinot Noir $50
2010 Pommard Clone Pinot Noir $55
Retail Price: $105
Club Price: $78.75
QUAD CLUB
2 Reds + 2 Whites
2011 Mélange Blanc $24
2011 SB County Viognier $28
2010 Ashley’s Pinot Noir $50
2010 Pommard Clone Pinot Noir $55
Retail Price: $157
Club Price: $117.75
Parker’s Pinot Club
6 Pinots
$50
2010 Ashley’s Pinot Noir
2010 Pommard Clone Pinot Noir $55
2011 Clone 115 Pinot Noir $55
Retail Price: $320
Club Price: $240
Prices are subject to change and do
not include shipping or taxes required
by each state. If you are not receiving
emails regarding shipping dates, tracking
information, or special offers please email
wineclub@fessparker.com and let us know.
5
Summer Newsletter 2013
Baking
Spices
Graham
Cracker
Vanilla
Flavors:
Black Cherry
Boysenberry
Black
Currant
Cranberry
Cinnamon
Santa Barbara County
Nutmeg
Mineral
Aromas:
White
flowers
Jasmine
Ripe Peach
Honeysuckle
Vanilla
Nutmeg
Toast
Flavors:
Citrus
Honeydew
Melon
Apricot
Lemon
Zest
Vanilla
Oak
2010 Ashley’s Pinot Noir
2011 Fess Parker Mélange Blanc
Vineyard Source:100% Ashley’s Vineyard in the Sta Rita Hills
ineyard Source:100% Camp Four Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley
V
Composition:34% Rousanne, 30% Grenache Blanc,
25% Marsanne, 11% Viognier
Harvest Date: 10/3/11 – 10/12/11
Harvest Brix: 22.7 – 25.0
Barrel Aging: 100% Barrel fermented in 33% 2-year-old
French oak barrels
Alcohol: 14.9% alcohol by volume
pH: 3.30
T.A.: 0.607g/100ml
Bottling Date: 7/25/12
Production: 600 cases
Sta Rita Hills
Composition:100% Pinot Noir
Harvest Date: 10/4/10
Santa Ynez Valley
Harvest Brix: 24.4 – 25.7
Barrel Aging:16 Months is 50% new French oak
Cooperage:François Frères, Remond, Seguin Moreau,
Mercurey
Alcohol: 14.6% alcohol by volume
pH: 3.61
T.A.: 0.625g/100ml
Production: 1,217 cases
Aromas:
Blackberry
Black Cherry
Cedar
Forest Floor
Cigar Box
Sage
Sandalwood
Vanilla
Baking
Spices
Flavors:
Black Cherry
Black
Currant
Cranberry
Clove
Nutmeg
Vanilla
Blackberry
Mineral
Color:
Straw
Aromas:
White Peach
Honeydew
Melon
Honey
Beeswax
White Flower
(Jasmine)
Orange Peel
Citrus
Light Toast
Flavors:
Nectarine
White Peach
Citrus
White Melon
Honey
Vanilla
Lemon Zest
R e c e i p t s f o r W i n e C l u b s h i p m e n t s a r e n o t i n cl u d e d i n t h e p a c k a g e d u e t o t i m e constraints. See cost
pe r s hipme nt und er eac h C l u b O f f er i n g a t l ef t . T h e am ou n t wi l l sh o w on y ou r n ex t cred i t card s ta tem en t.
recent
PRESS
92 points/Cellar Selection –
2010 Clone 115 Pinot Noir
Let this Pinot Noir age for at least 5-6 more years, because right now it’s
tannic and closed. The acidity gives the palate a citrus-like quality, and
the concentrated core of cherries and currants is sweet, spicy, succulent
and balanced.
89 points – 2011 Ashley’s Chardonnay
92 points –
2010 Ashley’s Pinot Noir
Pure, rich, vivid blackberry, spice, crushed rock and floral notes give this
a enticing, focused core, as the flavors gain on the long finish. Drink now
through 2020. 1,217 cases made. – J.L.
The 2010 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir was the “Wine of the Day” on
Wine Spectator Online – February 25, 2013!
Despite the rich, buttery, toasty oak notes, this wine stands up to the
barrel influence with its strong tropical fruit and pear flavors, as well as
its brisk acidity and stony minerality. It’s ready to drink now with rich
fare like lobsters or scallops.
88 points/Editors’ Choice –
2011 Santa Barbara County Riesling
With its pitched aromas of creosote and peppercorn, its oaken grit and
warm fruit tones, this seems almost over-stuffed at first. Air helps the wine
feel more expansive – its supple, solar-powered fruit releasing syrah, aromas
that range from floral to meaty, refreshing the wine with detail and making
it feel grand. Perhaps not coincidentally, two-thirds of the fruit comes from
some of the oldest syrah vines in the county, a 1989 planting on Foxen
Canyon Mesa at the winery’s Rodney’s Vineyard. Decant it for grilled lamb
chops – now, or with four or five more years of bottle age.
While this wine is clean and vibrant, it tastes off dry. With its honeyed
finish and flavors of peach, nectarine and apricot jam, this is one of the
most pleasant California Rieslings on the market. It’s easy to drink with
ham, sausage and slightly sweet Asian fare. Editors’ Choice – S.H.
Santa Barbara County
Vineyard Source:100% from Rancho Las Hermanas (formerly
Ashley’s Vineyard) in the Sta Rita Hills
Blocks:100% ASH-1A
Clone Selection:115
Tons/Acre:1.8
Composition:100% Pinot Noir
Barrel Aging:16 months in 46% new French oak
Cooperage:François Frères, Remond, Gillet, Mercurey,
Ermitage
Harvest Date: 9/29/11
Harvest Brix: 24.8
Alcohol: 14.1% alcohol by volume
pH: 3.66
T.A.: 0.601g/100ml
Production: 303 cases
Forest Floor
Lavender
Nutmeg
Vanilla
Flavors:
Black Cherry
Red Currant
Red Plum
Cranberry
Clove
(Sorry – sold out!)
90 points – 2009 The Big Easy
2011 Clone 115 Pinot Noir
Color:
Dark Garnet
Aromas:
Black Cherry
Sage
Earth
93 points –
2010 Santa Barbara County Syrah
Aged
Tobacco
Dark
Chocolate
Vanilla
Nutmeg
For further information please call your Wine Club Coordinator,
Elaina, directly at her toll free number 888-877-3335.
A blend of syrah, petite sirah and Grenache, this feels sunbaked in
its exuberant ripeness, its flavors suggesting dried fruit and black
cardamom. The wine gains spaciousness with air, as stony tannins
refresh the rich, sumptuous fruit and set it up for a thick steak.
91 points –
2011 Ashley’s Chardonnay
Keenly focused on deep and defined, ripe-apple fruit and well-appointed
with wholly complementary oak, this bottling shows good concentration
and fine overall balance, and it impresses as being both substantial and
very vital at one and the same time. It comes with a few ragged edges
and firms up for an insistent finish, but its minor coarseness is par
for the course for serious a young Chardonnay, and its prospects for
improvement over the next several years are bright.
Gold Medal –
2010 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
Summer Newsletter 2013
6
P.O. Box 908 • 6200 Foxen Canyon Rd.
Los Olivos, California 93441
Warning: Drinking distilled spirits,
beer, coolers, wine and other
alcoholic beverages during
pregnancy can cause birth defects.
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