Winter 2016 - Fess Parker Winery

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Sun rising over Rodney’s Vineyard on a foggy winter morning
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Recent Press ◆ Lunch in the Vineyard ◆ What’s New in the World of Parker?
Notes from the Head Winemaker ◆ Wine Club ◆ Staff Wine Pick
Release Day BBQ ◆ Family Lunch Series
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W I N T E R
2 0 1 6
Recent Press & What’s New
2013 Parker West Vineyard
Chardonnay
92 points
This wine comes from a single
vineyard in the western part
of the appellation. Aromas suggest honeysuckle, lemon
cream sauce and a wild array of garden herbs and spices, from
scallions and green garlic to fresh oregano. It’s light and bright
on the palate, with a steely focus of lime juice on peach.
2012 The Big Easy 91 points
Violet, lavender, elderflower, charred beef and
olallieberries show on the dynamic nose of this
wine that the late actor’s family makes as a homage
to New Orleans. There is a density of fruit on the
palate, with long-lingering smoked berries that go
deep into the finish.
2012 Rodney’s Syrah 90 points
Smoke meets game on the nose of this wine from a vineyard named after Fess
Parker’s late son-in-law, along with blueberry and asphalt aromas. The flavors
are rich and dense, with blackberry, tart boysenberry and more smoked meat,
proving the perfect pairing for hearty fare.
2014 Santa Barbara County Chardonnay 88 points /Editors’ Choice
This wine’s light and refreshing nose cuts between orange-blossom ripeness,
lime-juice sharpness, chalky minerality and a touch of milk fat. There is good
energy on the palate, powered by tart green apple rinds and citrus zest.
2014 Marcella’s 88 points
This easy-drinking blend of 86% Viognier, 8% Roussanne, 3% Marsanne and
3% Grenache Blanc—featuring a sailboat painting by Santa Barbara artist Chris
Potter—offers aromas of flambéed bananas and toasted coconut on the nose.
The palate shows grapefruit pith and the warmth of browned pears and seared
red apples, seasoned with a nice sparkle of acidity.
At Fess Parker, Lunch in the Vineyard
Is a Lesson in Wine
by Gabe Saglie, Senior Editor, Travelzoo
Visit Gabe’s Blog at http://gabesaglie.blogspot.com/
2015/10/at-fess-parker-lunch-in-vineyard-is.html
D
uring the throes of the 2015 wine grape
harvest, the popular winery, set along
Santa Barbara wine country’s Foxen Canyon,
introduced the Harvest Lunch series. These
intimate gatherings – four in all – featured
a delicious sit-down lunch prepared by the
winery’s full-time chef, Barrett Crandall.
And they included a behind-the-scenes peek
at harvest time activity with winemaker
Blair Fox.
In mid-October, I got to attend the final
harvest lunch, where the setting was an
attraction all its own. We sat around a long
white-clothed table, under a matching canopy,
on the winery’s brand new terrace. Opened in
May, and adjacent to the tasting room that
hosts hundreds of tasters each weekend, it’s
an open, airy, yet intimate space that creates a
truly special tasting experience.
Each lunch featured an exclusive menu. The
theme for our gathering was “Cassoulet,” and Chef Barrett’s hearty
dish of white beans, sausage and breadcrumb topping, was delicious.
It was paired with an autumn salad of frisée, apples, walnuts and dried
cherries, and plenty of fresh baked breads.
As we ate, Eli Parker, Fess Parker’s son and the winery’s CEO, and
head winemaker Blair Fox, engaged us in conversation and offered
insight into their business. Winery President Tim Snider (and
husband to Fess Parker’s daughter, Ashley), poured the 2013 Bien
Nacido Vineyard pinot noir from magnums. And bottles of other
award-winning Fess Parker wines – Rodney’s Vineyard viognier,
Ashley’s chardonnay and Rodney’s
vineyard syrah – were spread across
the table.
On this sunny afternoon, and surrounded
by a garden that supplied fresh
produce for our lunch and by vines
that have graced this property for
more than 25 years, this really was an
idyllic vineyard meal.
After lunch, we followed Fox into
the winery, where we witnessed wines
being pumped from tanks to barrels,
and then into the barrel room, where
we learned about things like cooperage
and fermentation. An insider peek
that enhanced our appreciation of the
wines in our glasses.
And as we ended our tour, a telling
observation: the license plate on Fox’s
dusty truck reads “SYRAHHH.” And
I thought to myself, “Fess would be proud.”
Guests gather for Harvest Lunch.
Join us for our Spring Lunch series, more details in the events section or
they can be found online on our events calendar at www.fessparker.com
P.O. Box 908 • Los Olivos, CA 93441 • 805.688.1545 • 800.841.1104 • FAX 805.686.1130 • www.fessparkerwines.com
The World of Parker
Boutique Hotel Project
G
reetings from Los
Olivos! We hope
that all of you enjoyed a
wonderful holiday season
with friends and family!
2016 is off to a busy start
with a lot of our focus
Eli measuring for the new hotel
being directed toward our
boutique hotel project
down in Santa Barbara. We were recently in front of the
City Planning Commission, and have a few more hurdles
to get over, but things are coming along well. We’re
hopeful that we might be breaking ground in early 2017.
We flagged the site just prior to Thanksgiving, and then
during the holidays Eli and I took a quick trip south of
the border to tour some wonderful resorts and pick up
some design ideas. We also did some research with an eye
toward a signature cocktail for the new hotel, but don’t
worry, wine will always be our first love!
As always, we thank
you so much for you
support of the winery
and our other endeavors.
None of this would be
possible without you.
Sincerely,
Ashley
Ashley
Head Winemaker
T
he 2015 Harvest seems to
be very much in the past!
I remember years where we
would still be punching down
active fermentations and pressing
off wines during Thanksgiving.
Those days seem to be long gone
with two of the earliest harvests
on record. The 2015 harvest was
the earliest and driest with a very
Blair Fox
light crop. We started harvesting
the third day of August and were fini
shed picking grapes by
the first week of October! We saw
our first little bit of rain
in October although the month was
very warm. We are finally
starting to see some cooling in Nov
ember with a little added
rain. We really need rain this winter and
coming spring to refill
our groundwater reserves and reservoi
rs. Hopefully El Nino
comes as predicted and the vines will
have ample soil moisture
for the 2016 growing season.
In the winery, we’re cleaning and prep
aring for an early bottling
season. As we top all of our wines and
stir the lees of the white
wines, we are thinking about the holi
days and being surrounded
by family and friends. This is a grea
t time of year to fill the
house with beautiful aromas of mulled
wine and spice. I usually
like to use Syrah and Petite Sirah
mixed with your favorite
mulling spices, brown sugar and a littl
e brandy. It is sure to
warm your family up on a cold winter
day. Thank you for being
part of the Fess Parker Winery family
and have a happy holiday!
Cheers!
Eli and Ashley in Cabo
Blair Fox, Head Winemaker
Wi n t e r N e w s l e t t e r 2 0 1 6
2
Avoid
TWO NIGHT stay during our quiet time of year
with an exclusive Wine Club Member experience
at Fess Parker Winery
wCrowds
www.fessparkerinn.com
800.446.2455
STARTING AT $512
Enjoy a tour of the winery and the rare opportunity to barrel taste several upcoming
Fess Parker releases. Enjoy a cheese and charcuterie pla er for two by the outdoor
fireplace before we transport you back to the Inn in our Mercedes sprinter van.
PACKAGE VALID JANUARY 2 - MARCH 31, 2016, SUNDAY THRU THURSDAY, EXCLUDING HOLIDAYS
Barrett Crandall - New Tasting Room Manager
I
f you’ve been to one of our events
in the last few years, you might
recognize Mr. Crandall as our
very own Chef Barrett, but he’s
served the winery in many different
capacities since his start with us as a
Tasting Room Consultant in 2005.
From the Tasting Room he moved
into the kitchen in 2010, cooking for
events using the Culinary degree he
earned from the California School
of Culinary Arts at Le Cordon
Barrett Crandall
Bleu in Pasadena, CA. In early 2015
Barrett was promoted to Food & Events Manager and we are happy to
announce that he is now our Tasting Room Manager. Barrett’s excited
for what’s to come in the new year and is especially looking forward to
being able to provide a variety of new experiences to each guest who
comes through the door. Barrett’s favorite parts of the job are sharing
the Parker family’s story, working with the talented winery staff and
giving customers a memorable winery experience.
A fun fact about Barrett: he actually met his beautiful wife Ivy in 2010
while working in the tasting room, as she was visiting the winery while
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Wi n t e r N e w s l e t t e r 2 0 1 6
on vacation from her home town of Chicago. She is quite the baker
herself and can often be seen behind the scenes with Barrett helping
out in the kitchen. Please be sure to Congratulate Barrett on his new
position next time you see him in the tasting room.
Staff Pick
Assistant Winemaker
Tyler Eck’s Pick:
A
s we finally get some
cool weather to relieve
us from a record hot summer, it
is nice to warm up with a more
structured red wine. I like to
pair the spice and dark berry
Tyler Eck
flavors of Rodney’s Vineyard Syrah with hearty winter
stews, to share with friends at holiday parties, and to
relax with in front of the fireplace.
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, NJ, NV, NY, NM, ND, OH, OR, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV and WY
RETAIL
Bottle/Case
WINE CLUB
Bottle/Case
2014 CHARDONNAY “Santa Barbara County”.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19 / $205.20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15.20 / $182.40
2014 CHARDONNAY “Ashley’s” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $37 / $399.60 . . . . . . . . . . . . $29.60 / $355.20
2013 CHARDONNAY “Bien Nacido Vineyard”.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $37 / $399.60 . . . . . . . . . . . . $29.60 / $355.20
2013 CHARDONNAY “Sierra Madre Vineyard” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $37 / $399.60 . . . . . . . . . . . . $29.60 / $355.20
2014 RIESLING “Santa Barbara County” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15 / $162.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12.00 / $144.40
2013 DRY RIESLING “Rodney’s Vineyard” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $24 / $259.20 . . . . . . . . . . . . .$19.20 / $230.40
2014 MARCELLA’S “Santa Barbara County” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20 / $216.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . $16.00 / $192.00
2013 VIOGNIER “Santa Barbara County” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $28 / $302.40 . . . . . . . . . . . . $22.40 / $268.80
2013 VIOGNIER “Rodney’s Vineyard” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $37 / $399.60 . . . . . . . . . . . . $29.60 / $355.20
2013 PARKER FAMILY RESERVE WHITE “Santa Barbara County” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $28 / $302.40 . . . . . . . . . . . . $22.40 / $268.80
2012 MÉLANGE BLANC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $24 / $259.20 . . . . . . . . . . . . .$19.20 / $230.40
2012 PINOT NOIR “Sta. Rita Hills” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $30 / $324.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . $24.00 / $288.00
2013 PINOT NOIR “Ashley’s”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50 / $540.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . $40.00 / $480.00
2013 PINOT NOIR “Bien Nacido Vineyard” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $55 / $594.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . $44.00 / $528.00
2013 PINOT NOIR “Parker West Vineyard” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $55 / $594.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . $44.00 / $528.00
2013 PINOT NOIR “Clone 115” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $55 / $594.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . $44.00 / $528.00
2013 PINOT NOIR “Pommard Clone” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $55 / $594.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . $44.00 / $528.00
2013 PINOT NOIR “Older Barrel” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $55 / $594.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . $44.00 / $528.00
2012 SYRAH “Santa Barbara County” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $28 / $302.40 . . . . . . . . . . . . $22.40 / $268.80
2012 SYRAH “Rodney’s Vineyard”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $49 / $529.20 . . . . . . . . . . . . $39.20 / $470.40
2012 “THE BIG EASY” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $35 / $378.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . $28.00 / $336.00
2012 PARKER FAMILY RESERVE RED “Santa Barbara County” . . $28 / $302.40 . . . . . . . . . . . . $22.40 / $268.80
2012 CROCKETT “Rodney’s Vineyard”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $80 / $864.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . $64.00 / $768.00
FRONTIER RED “Lot 93” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13 / $140.40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10.40 / $124.80
TRADITIONS “Port style wine” (500mL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $24 / $259.20 . . . . . . . . . . . . .$19.20 / $230.40
2009 FINALE “Sauternes style” (375mL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $30 / $324.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . $24.00 / $288.00
Wi n t e r N e w s l e t t e r 2 0 1 6
4
In this Shipment
W I N T E R 2 0 16
Wine Club
2014 Santa Barbara County
Viognier
2014 Sierra Madre Vineyard
Chardonnay
Vineyard Sources: 57% Camp Four Vineyard and
43% Rodney’s Vineyard both in
Santa Ynez Valley appellation
Vineyard Source: 100% Sierra Madre Vineyard in
the Santa Maria Valley
Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Harvest Date: 9/6/14
Harvest Brix: 24.0
Tons per Acre: 3.7
Barrel Aging: 100% barrel fermented and aged
in 50% new Berthomieu and
Mercurey French oak, 50% 1-year
old and older French oak barrels
Alcohol: 14.1% alcohol by volume
pH: 3.25
T.A.: 0.716g/100ml
Production: 196 cases
Santa Ynez Valley
Santa Maria Valley
Composition: 100% Viognier
CHARTER CLUB
1 Red + 1 White
2014 Santa Barbara County Viognier $28
2013 Ashley’s Pinot Noir $50
Retail Price:
$78
Club Price:
$58.50
Harvest Date: 9/3/14 – 9/9/14
Harvest Brix: 24.4 – 25.6
Barrel Aging: 80% barrel fermented and aged 9
months in 1-year and older French
oak barrels and 20% stainless steel
fermented
Alcohol: 14.3% alcohol by volume
pH: 3.22
T.A.: 0.679g/100ml
WHITE WINE CLUB
2 Whites
2014 Santa Barbara County Viognier $28
Production: 1491 cases
Color:
Pale straw
2014 Sierra Madre Vineyard Chardonnay $37
Retail Price:
$65
Club Price:
$48.75
Aromas:
Honeysuckle
Honeydew
melon
Yellow peach
Jasmine
Vanilla
Brioche
Flavors:
Peach
Nectarine
Mandarin
orange
Creamy
Bright
acidity
Touch of oak
Fresh
Color:
Straw
Aromas:
Citrus
Baked pear
Red apple
Cinnamon
Fennel
Honey
Flavors
Green apple
Pear
Lemon cream
Graham
cracker
Pie crust
Rich with
bright
acidity
Mineral
finish
Creamy
mouthfeel
2013 Ashley’s
Pinot Noir
2013 Ashley’s Pinot Noir $50
Sta. Rita Hills
2013
The Big Easy
2013 The Big Easy $35
Vineyard Source: 100% from Ashley’s Vineyard in
the Sta. Rita Hills
Blocks: 1, 4A, T, 8B, W
Clone Selection: 114, 667, 777, 115, Pommard
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Harvest Date: 9/9/13 – 9/27/13
Harvest Brix: 23.4 – 24.9
Tons per Acre: 0.8 – 2.8
Barrel Aging: 18 months in 42% new French oak
Cooperage: François Frères, Ermitage, Gillet,
Seguin Moreau, Mercurey
Alcohol: 14.1% alcohol by volume
pH: 3.59
T.A.: 0.581g/100ml
Production: 1461 cases
Vineyard Sources: 50% from Rodney’s Vineyard,
43% from Camp Four Vineyard,
4% Hampton Vineyard, all
from Santa Ynez Valley and
3% from Stagecoach Vineyard
in Napa Valley
REDS ONLY CLUB
2 Reds
Retail Price:
$85
Club Price:
$63.75
QUAD CLUB
2 Reds + 2 Whites
2014 Santa Barbara County Viognier $28
2014 Sierra Madre Vineyard Chardonnay $37
2013 Ashley’s Pinot Noir $50
2013 The Big Easy $35
Retail Price:
$150
Club Price:
$112.50
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.
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Wi n t e r N e w s l e t t e r 2 0 1 6
Color:
Ruby
garnet
Aromas:
Black cherry
Black tea
Black
raspberry
Forest floor
Baking spices
Cigar box
Black plum
Santa Barbara County
Flavors:
Black cherry
Black
raspberry
Red plum
Fennel
Sage
Vanilla
Composition: 66% Syrah, 18% Petite Sirah,
16% Grenache
Barrel Aging: 20 months in 58% new
French & American oak
Alcohol: 15.2% alcohol by volume
pH: 3.81
T.A.: 0.607g/100ml
Production: 3529 cases
Color:
Opaque dark
purple
Aromas:
Blackberry
Blueberry
Pepper
BBQ spices
Herbes de
Provence
Floral/
violet
Sage
Vanilla
Flavors:
Blueberry
Boysenberry
Black plum
Dark
chocolate
Grilled meat
Touch of oak
Round/soft
tannin
Good acidity
Great
ageability
Receipts for Wine Club shipments are not included in the package due to time constraints. See cost per
shipment under each Club Offering at left. The amount will show on your next credit card statement. For further
information please call your Wine Club Coordinator, Elaina, directly at her toll free number 888-877-3335.
Upcoming Events
17th Annual Release Day BBQ
Fri, April 15th, 2016 – Sun, April 17th, 2016
11:00am to 3:00pm
Venue: Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard
Attention all Wine Club Members! Save the date for our 17th Annual Release Day BBQ …
more details to follow as we get closer to the event! Select one of three days: Friday, April 15th •
Saturday, April 16th • Sunday, April 17th, 2016 • 11:00am to 3:00pm Barbecue by Plemmon’s
Catering • Live Music
Ticket prices are $10 per Wine Club Member • Any additional guests may attend Friday or
Sunday for $35 per person.*
Invitations will be sent out in March. We look forward to seeing you! Please contact Elaina
at 888-877-3335 for details on Release Day Packages now available at the Fess Parker Wine
Country Inn!
*Note: Cancellations for all events must be made 48 hours in advance to receive a refund.
Photos at left: Tim, Blair, and Eli serving wine; pavilions at Release Day 2011; Barrel Room Dinner;
Strolling and relaxing on the lawn
Harvest Lunch in 2015
Spring 2016 Family Luncheon Series
Fridays, April 29th, May 20th, June 17th
Venue: Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard
Those of you who knew Fess know that breakfast, lunch and dinner were the most important
times of the day. Because our Harvest Lunch Series proved to be such a success we’ve decided
to add a Spring Luncheon Series into the mix.
Spring is a magical time in our valley. It’s the best time to enjoy some green vistas and learn
about what is happening in the vineyard. Lunch will include a brief vineyard tour explaining
the intricacies of flowering, bud break, trellis systems and more. Our winemaking team will
then give you a sneak peek at future releases with an opportunity to do a little barrel tasting.
Lunch, the main event, will feature a seasonal wine country/family style lunch prepared by
Chef Barrett. Members of the Parker family, winemaking team and tasting room consultants
will be on hand to enjoy Chef Barrett’s creations paired with a wide selection of our single
vineyard wines.
June 17 – Hint: Bring Dad out to wine country for a long weekend – kickstart the
weekend with a Spring Family Lunch!
$70
per person • $48 per Wine Club Member • Limited to 20 guests
Reservations can be made with Elena by phone at 800-841-1104, or by email at
Elena@fessparker.com
Please check the website at fessparkerwines.com/events/
for up-to-date information on all events.
Wi n t e r N e w s l e t t e r 2 0 1 6
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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.
Printed on recycled paper.
PRESORTED
STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA
PERMIT NO. 7