2001 Fess Parker Pinot Noir

[wondersofwine]

Had a glass of this at a mini brewery restaurant (just not in the mood for a brew). It went better with the heart-healthy chicken breast (with diced eggplant, artichoke hearts, roasted peppers, red onion, asparagus spears and rice) than with the appetizer of artichoke/spinach dip with grilled flatbread.
Red purple color--crimson near the light source. Viscous texture, forms legs on the side of the glass. Cranberry/raspberry nose and flavors. Impression of ripe grapes, some extraction, moderate wood treatment. Fruity and very pleasing with the chicken. Smooth and gentle.
I didn't see the label for exact terminology and alcohol content. I see on the Fess Parker website that they bottle three or four different Pinot Noirs. This was probably the Santa Barbara County that blends wine from several vineyards. Most of their Pinot Noirs are over 14% alcohol and about 1/3 is aged in French oak for 12 months. If this is the one, suggested retail price is $22 and it was rated 89 points by Robert Parker.