Vineyard Sources
100% Rodney's Vineyard (Blocks F3, J2, J1, I) located on the Fess Parker home ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley
Barrel Aging
Aged 22 months in 100% French oak, of which 38% is new
Cooperage
Francois Freres, Atelier Centre, Meyrieux, Gamba
This Syrah is a rich, complex, full-bodied wine exhibiting layers of berry, cherry, cassis, clove, spice, earth, toast and smoke flavors. Enjoyable upon release, this wine will reward those with the patience to cellar it for 10 years or more.
Our single vineyard and small lot releases enable us to deliver some of our finest expressions of Syrah by concentrating on specific vineyards, clonal selections or techniques. Our estate vineyard, named in memory of Fess' late son-in-law, was planted in 1989 to predominantly Rhone varietal types. The wines from this vineyard have consistently been some of the most expressive and highly acclaimed in our portfolio.
Wine Critic Reviews
“...a more focused, serious wine. Blackberries, plums, iron, bouquet garni, and rosemary notes all flow to a medium to full-bodied, nicely textured, concentrated Syrah that picks up some classic varietal meatiness with air. Drink bottles over the coming 7-8 years or so.” ~ Jeb Dunnuck
“The nose on this single-vineyard expression is dense with dark plum and violet while lifted in caramel spice and fresher fruit. The intense palate adds sagebrush and licorice spice to the roasted dark-fruit flavors. A rugged beef jerky, savory tone arises in the finish.” ~ Wine Enthusiast
“a tight, reticent wine. A dollop (2%) of co-fermented Viognier adds aromatic presence to play off a core of inky Syrah fruit. Today, the 2020 is quite compact and in need of cellaring, although aeration does help to some degree.” ~ Antonio Galloni's Vinous
