A favorite fall wine is a fruity Pinot Noir. I recently tasted a 2001 Fess Parker Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir. Fess Parker gained notoriety from the film Sideways, although I don't think they drank the Pinot.
It's full of fruit. You can taste the berries and cherries immediately followed by hints of spice and pepper. I like my Pinots chilled a bit; slightly below room temperature. This wine needs to open. The initial finish is harsh. It's best to decant it so the tannins mellow and soften.
It’s a simple wine, perfect for a barbeques or if you’re looking to slam a glass or two to unwind after a long day. The price is right – I found it for $13. Cheers!
