Wine's real Parker Fess's up Edited 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.   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. For more great wine suggestions, click here Do you have any questions, comments or suggestions? Email: jwdineline@aol.com Copyright © 1998 Inter Active Media Solutions. All Rights Reserved. The interactive components of this site require that you use a current browser version of Explorer; be sure to maximize your window out so you can see the entire page. This page was created by Inter Active Media Solutions.