2005 Fielding Hills Riverbend Red Wine

Fielding Hills Winery is family-owned, producing limited quantities of premium red wines from Riverbend Vineyard in the Wahluke Slope appellation of Washington State's Columbia Valley. Mike Wade is the owner-winemaker. I can definitely tell it is family-owned when I call the winery to confirm my allocation for each release - Karen Wade, Mike's wife answers the phone at their house/office.

This is an up and coming wine producing area and we love their red wines.

This wine is 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, 11% Syrah, and 1% Cabernet Franc.

Critics' tasting notes: “Loads of cherry, boysenberry and black plum are backed by suave sweet tobacco notes. The texture is slightly chewy with a tannic grip. It all plays through nicely on the long, lingering finish."
“Yumm yumm- huge black cherry and toasted coffee bean nose with succulent hints of bittersweet chocolate, black cherry and plum. Flavors are simply delicious - sweet lush red and black fruit with just a hint of fresh tobacco, toasted coffee bean, and a hearty dollop of spicy white pepper. Finish is very long, with black cherry, white pepper and spice restating themselves. Tannins are smooth and beautifully integrated, with acidity adding just the right amount of freshness and juiciness.”

90 points, Wine Spectator.

We served this wine to drink with snacks while watching football games on New Year's Day.