Team C&J
Fess Parker Winery is an enduring family-run operation with a reputation for crafting wines that celebrate the Central Coast’s unique terroir. Since its founding in 1989, the Parker family has focused on creating expressive wines that are both approachable in their youth and capable of aging with grace. Eli Parker’s winemaking philosophy centers around precision and patience—two traits that are apparent in this impressive 2021 Crockett release.
With a diverse portfolio of wines that includes notable Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and Rhone varietals, the winery has made a name for itself among California wine lovers. However, the Crockett represents a departure from their more typical varietal wines, showcasing a blend that is as commanding as it is refined. It’s a fitting tribute to Fess Parker’s legacy and a testament to the winery’s commitment to quality.
The Santa Ynez Valley in California’s Central Coast has long been a region of contrast and creativity. Here, cool ocean breezes and diverse soils create the perfect growing environment for a variety of grapes. However, it’s the Syrah and Petite Sirah that seem to shine particularly bright, their dark berries and bold structures perfectly suiting the region’s microclimates. The Fess Parker Winery, named after the Hollywood star turned vintner, has been crafting wines in this area since 1989, consistently focusing on varietals that thrive under these conditions. The Crockett blend, named to honor Parker’s iconic role as Davy Crockett, embraces a bold personality yet with an underlying elegance that only time and skilled winemaking can achieve.
Eli Parker, the winemaker and son of Fess Parker, has managed to blend these two powerful grapes in perfect harmony. The 2021 Crockett spends 29 months aging in 50% new French oak barrels. This extended period imbues the wine with an additional layer of complexity, integrating the rich fruit flavors with nuances of vanilla, clove, and the wood’s subtle smokiness. The choice of oak and the precise timing of its use are crucial decisions for wines intended for longevity, and here, Parker’s touch is evident in every sip.
While it is ready to be enjoyed now with a brief decanting of 30 minutes to an hour, it will continue to evolve in the bottle, revealing even more intricate layers of flavor over the next two decades. As the tannins soften, expect the fruit to mellow and the secondary characteristics of earth, spice, and leather to come more to the forefront. Properly stored at a consistent temperature between 55-60°F, the Crockett should age beautifully through 2040.
The 2021 Fess Parker Crockett presents a deep, opaque purple hue in the glass, a visual prelude to the richness awaiting on the nose and palate. Upon opening, the wine offers an intoxicating bouquet of dark fruits, most notably ripe blackberry and blueberry, intertwined with notes of cassis, vanilla, and smoked meats. Subtle hints of anise and sandalwood further elevate the aromatic complexity, while the oak aging imparts a trace of barbecue spices—a delightful nod to its time spent in French barrels.
On the palate, the Crockett is full-bodied with a lush, velvety texture. The flavors are deeply concentrated, featuring an alluring mix of red plum, black cherry, and blueberry. These fruit-driven characteristics are complemented by secondary notes of tobacco, dark chocolate, and clove, which gradually unfold as the wine lingers on the palate. The well-integrated oak enhances the wine’s complexity, lending a subtle backdrop of vanilla that underscores the fruit without overpowering it.
The finish is long and satisfying, with a smoky and slightly earthy quality that hints at the wine’s potential for further evolution. The tannins, while prominent, are polished, promising that this wine will continue to soften and develop over the next 15 to 20 years.
The 2021 Fess Parker Crockett is a powerful yet elegant wine, reflective of the meticulous craftsmanship behind its creation. With its deep color, complex aromas, and concentrated flavors, it offers a sensory experience that is both intense and rewarding. This is a wine that speaks to the unique terroir of Santa Ynez Valley and the vision of its winemaker, Eli Parker.
Priced at $90, the Crockett offers significant value for a wine of this caliber. Its blend of Syrah and Petite Sirah strikes a masterful balance between boldness and finesse, making it a versatile choice for collectors and wine enthusiasts alike. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for a special occasion, the wine is sure to leave a lasting impression.
For more information or to purchase, visit the winery’s website here or explore additional purchasing options here.
USA
Santa Ynez Valley
Syrah
14.5
Eli Parker
62–68°F / 16–20°C
Large Bordeaux
60 Minutes
Now to 2040
Fess Parker Winery
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