71 is no 61- Fess Parker Frontier Red Lot 71

So this was interesting. Almost exactly a year ago, I tried the Fess Parker Frontier Red Lot 61. It immediately became one of my favorite budget wines. It was so good, that my friend and wine connoisseur Chad Richard chose to serve it at his wedding. Click here to read my review.

A couple weeks ago, I was at a local grocery store, and I spotted the Fess Parker Frontier Red label. I was so excited. I wasn't planning on drinking wine that night, but since I rarely see this wine at stores, I decided to alter my plans and pick up a bottle.  I noticed that this Frontier Red was the "Lot 71" release. The release I reviewed a year ago was "Lot 61." Figuring the two couldn't be all that different, I went home, let the bottle breathe (ie. opened it and let it sit for 30 minutes), and waited anxiously to pour myself a glass.

After my self-imposed wait, I took a sip of the Fess Parker Frontier Red Lot 71. It was so bad. I was so disappointed. My mistake in this situation was believing that this wine could be consistent year over year. It most definitely was not. While I continue to endorse Lot 61, I would highly recommend you avoid the Fess Parker Frontier Red Lot 71.

Recommendation: Don't buy it

Comments

[Gunnar]

Yes, that happened to me too a while ago when I tried to find the 61 (since I try to test all your recommendations) and ended up with a 71.
Nasty!

[Mark V Marino]

If you notice the label says California this gives the bottle the area of the whole state of California for the grapes to be grown. Not that this is always bad but it does indicate that they are buying from a big group or at least their suppliers are from a wide area. There are labels that are more careful in their selections even though the area designation says California but putting the whole state as the area often opens the door for lower quality cheaper priced grapes. Try and look for more specific area designations at least it narrows the sources from which the fruit can come.
Again, this does not make it good but at least more consistent from bottle to bottle.

[HeathCliff Rothman]

have to tell you I LOVED Frontier Red Lot 61 ... for me it was also a discovery. I recommended it far and wide -- and bought two cases of it, so was really disappointed to discover that it was no longer available. And yes, I saw the lot 71 on the shelf, was investigating response to it, then noticed your posting. Hence: I won't purchase it.

[larry schaffer]

Interesting and honest comments . . .

First off, thanks for reviewing the wine. My only question is why you didn't like it and what made it that different for you than Lot 61? The blends are slightly different and therefore the wine will taste different, but I am very curious as to HOW it tasted to you . . .

As far as the CA appelation, the vast majority of the lots that make up this wine are from the Santa Barbara County area. We usually include a bit of wine from the Paso area, and in fact, most of these lots COULD be Santa Barbara County - we will look at this carefully when we bottle Lot 81 in the coming weeks.

Thanks again and please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions or comments about the wine. And just as with all wines, you should buy and try yourself to make sure that what others say rings true for you . . . Cheers!

[Dorian- Budget Vino]

Larry,

Thanks for the comment. I definitely agree with you that people should always try a wine themselves before passing judgment. I just try to give them a way to navigate the overwhelming options.

The 61 was delicious, and had a great finish. To me, the 71 lacked that smooth end. It was just a much rougher wine. Not sure if that helps. It was awhile ago..

[larry schaffer]

Dorian,

Thanks for the reply. I would tend to agree that Lot 71 was a bit 'rougher' than 61, which contained some syrah lots that were a few years older and had 'mellowed' more . . .

We are currently bottling Lot 81 and it should be on the market soon . . . Open, let sit out for an hour or so, and then give it a try - I think you'll like it. In any event, let me know - curious to hear your and others opinions about it. Cheers!