The 2009 Pinot Noir is a gorgeous wine bursting with dark cherries, spices and sweet French oak. It shows fabulous textural richness and depth, especially for an entry-level offering. This is a tasty, accessible Pinot to drink now and over the next few years. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014. This line up from Fess Parker is impressive. A number of the higher-end wines are delicious, but I was most struck by the quality of several of the estate’s entry-level offerings. These are some of the very finest values in California.Tel. (800) 841-1104; www.fessparker.com

Here’s a good Pinot to drink now from this esteemed producer. It’s dry and easy to like, with raspberry and cherry flavors, wrapped into spicy oak. ——S.H.(12/1/2011)—— 87