Fess Parker Winery Syrah Santa Barbara County Reserve

Overview
Fess Parker Winery Syrah Santa Barbara County Reserve exemplifies the winery's commitment to premium expressions of Syrah from Santa Barbara County's cool-climate vineyards, blending estate fruit with meticulous barrel selection for depth and balance.

Specs at a glance

Good to know
Founded in 1987 by actor Fess Parker—known for Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone—the winery spans over 700 acres in Santa Barbara County, emphasizing Pinot Noir and Syrah. The Reserve designation highlights selections from premium estate and nearby vineyards, vinified to capture the region's foggy mornings and warm afternoons that yield vibrant, structured reds.

Tasting notes

• Nose: Dark berries, black pepper, violet, and subtle smoked meat with hints of French oak.
• Palate: Bold black cherry and plum lead into layers of licorice, olive tapenade, firm tannins, and bright acidity; medium-bodied with earthy undertones.
• Finish: Lingering spice, cocoa, and graphite with good persistence.

Notable details

• Production: Estate-grown Syrah, fermented in small lots, aged in French oak barrels.
• Lineage: Core offering from Fess Parker Winery, a leader in Santa Barbara reds since the late 1980s.
• Comparison: Echoes cooler-climate Northern Rhône styles like Côte-Rôtie.
• Availability: Limited Reserve production, subject to vintage variation.

Serving suggestions
Decant for 1 hour. Excellent neat or with a splash of air. Pairs with grilled lamb, braised short ribs, or wild mushroom risotto.

"Fess Parker's Santa Barbara Syrah delivers the peppery spice and dark fruit that define the region's potential." – Winery Tasting Notes

Closing
A poised, food-friendly Syrah that bridges California fruit and Old World restraint.