Parrish Family Vineyard

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Sep 23, 2011

Favorite Wine: 06' Cabernet Sauviogn

Top Gun over the vineyards! There are many ways to protect the grapes from aerial attacks from scavengers. At Parrish they have their own air force that deploys a Falcon Fighter, not the F-16 Falcon, but the Falcon bird of prey. The falcon is a ferocious predator that attacks the starlings at 90 mph. The starlings select the best grapes to eat. The falcons protect the vines playing a role in the wine making process. This is far more exciting than placing green netting over the vines. The Parrish Family Vineyards has a long history on the central coast. In 1927 G.Earl Henderson, David Parrish’s Grandfather, had a total of 540 acres planted in Atascadero. Grandpa Henderson also had 50,000 vine cuttings that came from the Paderewski ranch. E.G. Lewis, the founder of Atascadero, also had persuaded Grandpa Henderson to expand his vineyard empire as apart of the Colony model city plan. All of this will lead to a wine 80 years in the making. David Parrish’s journey to the present is just as pivotal. In the 70’s David was involved with the early development of the California Kiwi industry. He helped develop a trellis system. In 78’ & 79’ David started developing trellises for the commercial wine industry. They were tested at US Davis and word spread. Soon Mondavi, Sterling, and Berringer hired David to trellis their vineyards. They wanted world-class wines and realized that these trellises would play a role. Now keep in mind David was in his 20’s. So he quit teaching and went into the trellis industry. Now with his ranch vineyard in Creston, his attention this last decade has turned to producing wine. Of course he is using his own trellis system. I had the opportunity to spend a couple of hours with David to discuss his history and taste the wines. Under the label P.O. Box 1 they make Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, GSM, and Petite Syrah. These are the value price point wines. They all have great character and varietal flavor that will please your palate. But I want to focus on the Parrish label wine. Currently there is a 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon that incorporates two clones from the vineyard. These are hand selected to produce a Cab of exceptional note. You will experience hints of coca, dense currant fruit of blackberry and cherry. The nose has an earthen and spice aroma. The Cab is very smooth to the taste and easy tannins. On my scale of 12 corks, I give this Cab 10 corks. The next release is called Silken. This is a blend of 60% Cab and 40% Syrah. The Syrah comes from the Bien Nacido Vineyards highly noted for their quality grapes. The Syrah adds a balance to the Cab thus creating that silky feel to the taste. While the Cab has high berry intensity the Syrah calms the fruit bringing out the smooth delicate flavors of vanilla, cherry, and even some hints of blueberry. This blend is a perfect compliment with roasted pork or lamb. The Silken won a Gold Medal at the Orange County Fair. On my scale of 12 corks, I give this one 9 corks. I asked David what is the best wine you hope to make. “Right now it is in the barrel. It is my 2010 Cabernet and won’t be released for another 18 months.” David took me to his barrel storage and we did a barrel taste. This portends to be a Cabernet that is destined to win some major medals. From the barrel the nose was addicting. It was robust with hints of coconut. I felt it had an aphrodisiac attack on my senses. The color was dark ruby and purple. In the glass it even had an eye that stared back. The flavors were bold of fruit and coffee with some tobacco. Tannins were level and consistent. This cab will be a royal cab for the Paso region. Too early to rate, but expectations are very high. Parrish wine tasting is downtown Paso on Park St. Go see the Falcon photo while enjoying a taste. www.parrishfamilyvineyard.com Also please visit my Facebook page daninthevines for more wine comments.