Fess Parker Rodney's Vineyard Syrah 2016

Professional Ratings

• 91 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
  Deep ruby-purple in the glass, the 2016 Syrah Rodney's Vineyard gives up sage and fried herbs with wild blackberries, notions of bitter chocolate and bacon fat, olive and blue flower perfume plus cassis aromas. Full-bodied, it fills the mouth with savory, dark ripe fruits framed by firm, chewy tannins and just enough freshness.
• 91 Wine Enthusiast
  Strong aromas of black plum and blackberry are hit with savory salt and pepper spices on the nose of this single-vineyard expression. The palate's richness is cut by snappy boysenberry, a hint of anise and a finish of vanilla.
• 91 Wine & Spirits
  The Syrah vines at Rodney’s Vineyard, Fess Parker’s flagship site in the Santa Ynez Valley, are now 31 years old, and their fruit shows some of the dark complexity that old vines on a warm site can achieve. Scents of sarsaparilla, carob and olive adorn the succulent blackberry flavor, smoky and a touch leathery, with elegant blueberry-skin tannins.
• 91 Jeb Dunnuck

  Brought up in 52% new French oak, the 2016 Syrah Rodney's Vineyard (96% Syrah and 4% Viognier) isn't far off the style of the Santa Barbara County Syrah and has plenty of blackberry and caramelized black cherry fruits intermixed with toasted spice and scorched earth. It's another ripe, concentrated Syrah that shows the vintage’s straighter, more focused style.