2021 Home Ranch Cuvée

Appellation

Santa Barbara County

Varietal

Red Blend

Wine Enthusiast

Jeb Dunnuck

Vinous

Vineyard Sources

100% Rodney's Vineyard (Blocks P2, O1 & S) located on the Fess Parker home ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley

Barrel Aging

Aged 20 months in 100% large format French oak puncheon, of which 38% is new

Cooperage

Gamba, Ermitage

Technical Data

Composition

50% Grenache, 37% Mourvedre, 13% Counoise

Alcohol %

14.2

Acidity

0.520 g/100mL

3.61

Harvest Brix

20.0-25.6

Harvest Date

10/25-11/4/21

Production

418 cases

Description

Our estate vineyard, named in memory of Fess’s late son-in-law, was planted on the Fess Parker Home Ranch in 1989 to predominantly Rhône style varietal types. The wines from this vineyard have consistently been some of the most expressive and highly acclaimed in our portfolio. Inspired by a recent family trip, our “Home Ranch Cuvée” is a Rhône style blend that pays homage to the great wines of Chateauneuf-du-Pape that we enjoy so much. We first released Home Ranch Cuvée, an additional estate offering and SIP Certified wine, in 2024 in celebration of Fess Parker Winery's 35th anniversary.

This Chateauneuf-du-Pape inspired grenache based blend is medium-bodied with resolved tannins. Red fruits, dried herbs and baking spice aromas abound from the glass. This wine shares a perfect combination of Bing cherry, orange rind and dark chocolate leading to a long lingering finish on the palate.

The Home Ranch Cuvee is a versatile wine, keep it casual and serve with barbeque beef rib and burgers or take it up a notch and pair with lamb chops, osso buco or mushroom dishes.

Wine Critic Reviews

"...a new Châteauneuf-du-Pape inspired blend from Fess Parker. Grenache takes the leading role in this sensual, mid-weight red. Crushed rose petal, bright, red-toned fruit, spice and mint build effortlessly in the glass. The 2021 is a joy to taste." ~ Antonio Galloni's Vinous "A lighter hue in the glass, this brand's new Rhône blend would make a great option for midweek dinners, pairing well with everything from grilled meats to pasta, pizza and sandwiches. Aromas of rhubarb, sumac and red spice lead into a palate that's easygoing in texture and refreshing in red fruit flavors." ~ Wine Enthusiast "…Its semi-opaque ruby hue is followed by a beautiful, medium-bodied red blend that has both red and black fruits, some peppery, spicy, herbal notes, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It reminds me of a top-notch Côtes du Rhône. Drink bottles over the coming 5-7 years." ~ Jeb Dunnuck