Quick Sip: Fields Family Wines 2011 Tempranillo

Hello Friends,

Today’s Quick Sip is the Fields Family Wines 2011 Tempranillo. Fields Family Wines is a small family-run operation formed in 2005 between proprietor Russ Fields and winemaker and partner Ryan Sherman. They specialize in the production of small batch premium wines made from select sites in the Lodi and Napa Valley regions. Fruit for the Tempranillo was sourced from Kirschenmann Vineyard which is located on the east side of Lodi’s Mokelumne River appellation. Kirschenmann is a special (particularly for Zinfandel) 19-acre site with head-trained, own-rooted Zinfandel vines that date back to 1915. The age of the Tempranillo is unknown, but is thought to be the very first Tempranillo vineyard planted/grafted in Lodi. As with several other wines I have tasted from Fields Family Wines, this Tempranillo is well-balanced, reasonably priced, and begs to be shared with friends/family and enjoyed with a good meal. I recommend putting this small producer on your radar. For further information and where you can this wine, please see my tasting notes below.

Review: Fields Family Wines 2011 Tempranillo (SRP $22): Medium-deep ruby in color and fragrant, this harmonious Tempranillo is marked by well-integrated flavors of black cherries, dried cranberries, holiday baking spices, and underlying nuances of mineral. The mouth-feel is round and supple with soft but noticeable tannins; the natural acidity gives the wine a perfect balance and the finish is long and satisfying. Overall, a delicious medium to full-bodied wine that is both a pleasant solitary sipper and a welcomed partner to charcuterie, red sauce dishes, or grilled poultry. Approximately 100 cases of this wine were produced. Region: Lodi, California. Other information: ABV 14.4, native fermentation and ML, matured in 225L neutral French oak, bottled after approximately 20 months in barrel. Rating: 90 Points. Click here to find this wine.

Note: The 2011 vintage is sold out on the producer’s website so keep your eyes peeled for the 2012 vintage. Until its ready, check out the 2012 Il Ladro and 2012 Estate Syrah – both great dinner companions!  

Have a question about this post? Feel free to drop me an e-mail at myvinespot@yahoo.com or hit me up on Facebook or Twitter. Stay tuned ...more to come. Happy Sipping, my friends! Disclosure: This wine was provided for review. Thoughts are my own.

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