Remember “Sideways”, the quirky wine movie that swept oenophiles off their feet in 2004? While everyone was having a love affair with pinot noir after seeing it on the big screen, I gave it up. Sure, I watched and enjoyed the flick, but when it premiered I was slinging hash in high end restaurants and at least one table a night asked, “Have you seen Sideways yet?”, as if they were inducting me into a secret society. After pretending that I gave a damn they proceeded to order a bottle of……wait for it…..pinot noir.  Needless to say that seriously damaged me and I went out of my way to drink anything but the overexposed grape. Give me chinon, nero d’avola, whatever. Just don’t utter those two dreaded words again.

So, fast-forward to October  2009. I’m headed to Baru Bistro, a BYOB establishment and am in need of an easy drinking, light red. I figured five years is enough time to heal the wounds, so I picked up a bottle of Fess Parker 2007 pinot noir.

Mr. Fess Parker himself was cast as Davy Crockett in the 1950′s by Walt Disney, thus giving him the means to start his vineyard. The wine is instantly likable with a subtle hint of spice, a lingering finish and a flavor profile of cranberry, blueberry, and strawberry.  Just don’t expect me to add You-Know-What to my Netflix queue anytime soon.

Pick up a bottle at The Wine Seller at 5000 Prytania St.