One of California’s finest values is Fess Parker’s Frontier Red, now finished with a screw cap. The expressive, Mediterranean-styled non-vintage Frontier Red Lot 61 (a blend of Syrah, Grenache, Petite Sirah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, and Carignan) is a dead-ringer for a French Cotes du Rhone. It is a terrific choice for bistros as it is a heady, hedonistic, complex, amazing QPR. The wine exhibits a deep ruby/plum color as well as a big, spicy, Mediterranean-scented bouquet revealing hints of sweet cherries, plums, earth, and black currants. The wine possesses the power and depth to age for 2-3 years. Former actor and current real estate developer, hotel owner, and vineyard developer, Fess Parker continues to oversee a bevy of top vineyards that produce increasingly better and better wine. His son, Eli, handles the winemaking at Fess Parker Winery as well as for his own label, Epiphany. I continue to be impressed with the level of quality of just about everything produced at this estate. These are serious wines offered at reasonable prices.Tel. (805) 688-1545

One of California’s finest values is Fess Parker’s non-vintage Frontier Red, the newest incarnation being Lot 91. A kitchen sink blend of mostly Rhone Ranger varietals, it is a dead-ringer for a California-styled Cotes du Rhone. Notes of pepper, black cherries, spice box, roasted herbs, and smoke are present in this lush, medium-bodied, richly fruity offering. Meant to be drunk upon release, it is an ideal choice for shrewd consumers looking for a delicious red that works with an assortment of culinary dishes. Tel. (805) 688-1545

Normally one of the top values in California winedom is Parker’s non-vintage Frontier Red. The newest incarnation, the Lot 81 Anniversary Edition, is not as opulent or character-filled as previous examples, but it is still an attractive, although slightly more acidic and narrowly defined California Cotes du Rhone look-alike. Peppery, herbal, meaty, sweet and sour cherry notes dominate this pleasurable quaffing red. Consume it over the next year while waiting for the Lot 82 to hit the marketplace. This reliable winery still boasts Hollywood icon/hotel developer/top vineyard owner Fess Parker running the show. Moreover, he remains, at age 84, a giant of a man. This winery continues to turn out some of Santa Barbara’s finest values, as well as some super single vineyard wines.Tel. (805) 688-1545

You don’t have to be old enough to remember Parker’s Davy Crockett (whose picture is on the front label) to enjoy this red Rhone blend. It has Syrah’s peppery aroma, followed by deep, earthy and berry flavors. Finishes dry and tannic. ——S.H.(5/1/2003)—— 87