Wine of the Day: 2013 Fields Family Wines Tempranillo

2013 Fields Family Wines Tempranillo: A Lodi Tempranillo whose savory character evokes Rioja

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Fruit  for this wine was sourced from the first Tempranillo vineyard planted in Lodi.   It was fermented on native yeast,  and raised in neutral French oak.  Bottled unfined/unfiltered.

Dark ruby color with exuberant black cherry, cigar box , plum, damp earth and a hint of clove aromas that bring to mind Spain more so than California. The palate it medium-bodied, vibrant, supple and balanced with black cherry, red cherry, plum, and sweet spice and a hint of dark chocolate flavors underpinned by a very appealing savory character with a satisfying finish with touch of minerality. – (Outstanding; 90 pts.)

14.5% abv | $25 (sample) | 100 cases made

Pair with: Paella, roast and grilled lamb, fall and winter stews, sheep’s milk cheeses, jamon or ratatouille

About Fields Family Wines

Fields Family winery is a small family owned and operated winery.  It is owned by Russ Fields (an Attorney by day) and his wife Melinda.  Winemaker Ryan Sherman (a Realtor by day) and his wife Jaylynn are partners in the winery.  The  Fields and Sherman met in 2004, when Fields was looking to purchase a vineyard, and Sherman helped him with his search.

Fields purchased a certified organic vineyard planted to Syrah in 2005 and immediately got to work on the restoration of the property,  and construction of the Winery, the Main House and second residence.  Today, the Fields Family Estate vineyard is planted to Syrah, Mourvèdre, Tempranillo, Grenache Blanc, and Vermentino.

Fields Family Wines’  first release  of 350 cases was the 2008 vintage (released in 2010).  Over the years they have gradually increased production. They produced 1,600 cased in 2013.  According to Sherman..that’s just about max of what we can do while keeping our day jobs and not getting divorce papers in the process….

Their plan for now is to continue to focus on small lots ( 125 to 200 case production) mostly from local vineyards the east side of the Mokelumne River AVA.  Working in small lots enables Sherman do most of the work himself and maintain high quality.

Our goal is to craft wines that showcase the vineyards from where they come and employ a minimalistic approach to winemaking. Grape growing and winemaking should go hand in hand – as winegrowers we seek to enhance this relationship. 

Sherman is self-taught and self-trained as a winemaker,  but having grown up in Lodi he was in a position to seek the advice and guidance of some of the area’s best growers and winemakers.

Sherman is a quick study.  I’ve tasted Fields Family Wine over a number of years, and they just get better year after year.

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