The 2007 Syrah American Tradition Reserve is a sexy, open-knit, opulent style of Syrah with a plum/garnet color, and a sweet perfume of bacon fat, black cherries, and black currants. Deep, round, pure, and fleshy, this evolved Syrah is meant to be drunk in its first 2-4 years of life. It was with considerable regret that I learned of the passing of Fess Parker this year. I knew him well, and have extraordinarily fond memories of the many discussions we had – always totally unrelated to wine. Fess was a hero for just about everyone of my generation. His starring role in Walt Disney’s Legend of Davy Crockett, and later as Daniel Boone rocketed him to superstardom in the 1950s and 1960s. But Hollywood was not Fess’s true calling, and he eventually gave that career up to become a visionary hotel developer and wine producer. Literally bigger than life, he was also extraordinarily humble (no doubt due to his Texas upbringing). Moreover, the true measure of anyone was met and exceeded by Fess, who made the world around him a better place. The United States has lost a great patriot and his family a beloved husband and father. My heartfelt condolences to them. The quality of the Fess Parker wines, made by his son, Eli, and his winemaking team, has always been very good, and the wines have long offered considerable value – a goal of Fess’s from the beginning. Tel. (805) 688-1545