Fielding Hills Syrah Wahluke Slope 08

Review:

Fielding's Riverbend Vineyard displays its signature flavors most clearly here. Mike manages to create a wine with the hard to achieve, subtle complexity of Washington Syrah, all in a luxurious package. A lavish sweet black cherry aroma opens to flavors of black cherry and black currant, intertwined with smoke, soft barrel toast, minerals, white pepper, and layers and layers of fruit. The finish lingers - it's a complex, multi-dimensional Syrah from start to finish. - Jean

2008 Wine Spectator - 91 points - Dark and brooding, this starts off with dense and chewy cassis and cherry fruit, shaded with espresso and chili pepper notes, then lightens up nicely as the finish lingers enticingly. Drink now through 2016. 174 cases made. - H.S.

94% Syrah, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc

The Fielding Hills Syrah remains one of my favorites in a state loaded with great Syrahs, fruit-powered with spicy purple fruits, annotated with scents of game, anise, smoke and moist earth. The black and purple fruits dominate, as expressive and ripe as any Syrah in the state. It’s still young, a bit oaky, and relatively high in alcohol. Give it some bottle age and all the complexity will come into focus. - Paul Gregutt for Wine Enthusiast (2010-11-15)

94% Syrah, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc from Riverbend Vineyard. 174 cases made.

This is another deliciously savory red. Deep purplish color with aromas of raspberry, blackberry and blueberry with scents of crushed roses, lavender and rubbed sage. The flavors are rich and supple, well laden with dark fruits that are underlain with minerals, scorched earth, licorice, roast coffee and mocha. The back reveals squeezed berry juices that lead into a ripe, chewy tannin finish. 18.5/20 points. - Rand Sealey's Review of Washington Wines

2007 Vintage Tasting Notes

The 2007 vintage of the Fielding Hills Syrah is cherry cherry cherry. Huge sweet black cherry is accented by violet perfume in the nose. This wine is lush - the flavors are mouth-coating, adding milk chocolate, vanilla, and red fruit to the black cherry mix. Ginseng, candied ginger, and baking spices jump onto the finish. Adrienne found crème de cassis, pomegranate, and honey glazed smoked ham in the finish as well. - tasted 9-22-09 - Jean

2006 Vintage Tasting Notes

Heady, dark aromas of violets, bacon smoke, espresso bean, and spiced black berries announce the arrival. Multi-dimensional and layered, the black berries, plums and currant just don't stop giving.

The tannins are present, balanced by big fruit and acidity, creating a Washington Syrah that's at once burly and nimble.

2005 Vintage Tasting Notes

2005 Wine Spectator - 91 points - Lithe, fresh and appealing for its beautifully formed and focused plum, blackberry and spice flavors. A classic profile for Syrah that lingers on the finish with some finesse. Drink now through 2012. 156 cases made. - H.S.

"Supple and heady with dark berry, violet, bacon and cinnamon aromas and flavors. These are backed by pepper and clove notes as you head toward the long finish. The tannins are well integrated and are a great foundation for the opulent flavors."

90% Syrah, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, & 1% Merlot

2004 Vintage Tasting Notes

2004 vintage Wine Spectator 93 points; Wine Enthusiast 94 points

2004 Wine Spectator - 93 points - Fielding Hills, a modestly sized winery on the remote Wahluke Slop of Columbia Valley, has emerged as a Washington leader for generous, polished and distinctive wines like this. A blast of black cherry and roasted game bird flavors wrap themselves in a warm blanket of fuzzy tannins that make the wine feel almost cuddly as it lingers effortlessly. Drink now through 2014.-H.S."

2004 Wine Enthusiast - 94 points - 80% Syrah, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, & 1% Merlot from the winery's Estate vineyard. Wine Spectator gave the previous, 2003 vintage, 92 points.