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Wine's real Parker Fess's up

By Darryl Beeson 

Actor Fess Parker, now living in Santa Barbara, California has been called an American icon. His portrayal of frontiersmen Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone impacted millions of young viewers in the late 1950's and 60's.

Originally from Texas, Parker enrolled at the University of Texas where he graduated in 1950 with a degree in history. Moving to California, he completed academic work on a Masters degree in drama at the University of Southern California. Parker began acting professionally in 1951 as a stage performer in the national company of Mister Roberts. In 1954, Walt Disney signed Parker to play the title role in Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier.

fess_parker_files.htm In 1964 Parker began filming, and sometimes directing, his network television series, while laying the foundation for his second career as a real estate developer. Some of that land became vineyards, important vineyards especially for Syrah and Pinot Noir. Below, find details about the very impressive Syrah selections. Don't confuse this Parker with wine critic Robert Parker. This Parker, along with his son Ely, make wine. Learn more at www.fessparker.com.

Parker Station Syrah, Santa Barbara County 2003 
Price $12                    
Rating 90
The nose is subtle with black plum. The sip is fruit forward with mocha, black plum and a lilt of smoky bacon.

Fess Parker says that "this is the best Syrah that you can afford to drink every day." It is both full-bodied and with concentrated fruit. Pair this luscious red with grilled meats in understated, but spicy, rubs on the meat. Consider gourmet hamburgers from the grill, or even special ingredients pizza topped with fresh basil or oregano.

Fess Parker Syrah, Santa Barbara 2002
Price $20                    
Rating 91
The nose shows black plum and dried cranberry, along with black pepper. The sip is bright and fruit forward with cranberry, plum, mocha and mineral. Serve this complex red wine with grilled meats, especially perfectly marbled beef, aged and then grilled to perfection.

The Santa Maria viticultural area is a natural funnel-shaped valley with approximately 7,500 acres of vineyards. Located in the northern part of Santa Barbara County, the region possesses a rich, fertile soil, ideal climate and optimum location. The remarkable consistency of the vineyards and the dedication of grape growers have led to the production of high quality grapes with a distinctive personality that is internationally recognized.

Fess Parker "Rodney's Vineyard" Syrah, Santa Barbara 2003
Price $40                    
Rating 94
The nose has hints of sulfur, toastiness or unusual mineral. The sip is powerful with black fruit, mulberry, black pepper, menthol and hints of smoky baconin the long, complex finish. Serve with thick, grilled steaks in a peppercorn sauce with mushrooms. Consider grilled venison or lamb chops, served with rosemary or juniper berries, rubbed with whole-grained, spicy mustard.

This estate vineyard, named in honor of Parker's late son in-law, was the first vineyard that Fess developed and it surrounds the winery. With a total of 118 acres planted, that being approximately 31 acres on the valley floor and the balance on the expansive upper mesa behind the winery, this important vineyard provides the foundation of the winery's Rhone-styled grape program and has already produced several award winning Syrah and Viognier bottlings.

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Darryl Beeson travels the world looking for great wine finds. Says writer Roy Blount, Jr., “Wine is tough, but I know Darryl can do it.”

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