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