Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
A blend of 74% Syrah, 16% Petite Sirah, and 10% Grenache, from a variety of sites in Santa Barbara County, the 2014 The Big Easy is always the total crowd pleaser in the lineup - and it doesn't disappoint in 2014. Plums, spice, pepper, incense and melted licorice all flow to a ripe, sexy, plump and decadent red that's loaded with sweet fruit. It will need consumed in its youth.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A blend of 74% Syrah, 16% Petite Sirah and 10% Grenache, the deep garnet-purple colored 2014 The Big Easy has pronounced plum preserves, baked blueberries and spice box notes with hints of rare beef, charcoal and coffee. Very big, full-bodied and packed with fruit, the generously endowed palate has a firm line of chewy tannins and ample freshness to support, finishing long and spicy. It’s not for the fainthearted, and nicely done to this style.
Established in 1989, Fess Parker Winery is a multi-generational family owned and operated winery that has a rich heritage in Santa Barbara County. Fess Parker produces premium, small-lot, vineyard designated Burgundian varietals from the Sta. Rita Hills and Santa Maria Valley as well as Rhône varietals from their organically farmed, SIP Certified estate vineyard.
Outstanding fruit sources, including some of the finest vineyards in the county, coupled with skilled winemaking, led by Blair Fox, form the foundation for the winery’s success. Now three generations in, the Fess Parker Family is proud to carry on Fess’s legacy of wine heritage and hospitality in Santa Barbara.
Fess Parker Winery was proud to be named a Top 100 Winery in the World by Wine & Spirits Magazine in both 2022 and 2023.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
With a dry and mild climate cooled significantly by moist ocean fog and breezes, Santa Barbara County is a grape-grower’s dream. Part of the larger Central Coast appellation, Santa Barbara is home to Santa Maria Valley and Santa Ynez Valley. The conditions here provide an opportunity for nearly effortless production of high-quality cool-climate Central Coast wines. This is also the site of the 2004 film Sideways, which caused Pinot Noir’s popularity to skyrocket and brought new acclaim to the region.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the stars of Santa Barbara, producing wines marked by racy acidity. Crisp Sauvignon Blanc and savory Syrah are also important. The region is home to many young and enthusiastic winemakers eager to experiment with less common varieties including Chenin Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Trousseau Gris, Gamay and Cabernet Franc, making it an exciting area to watch.