Fields Family Wines Syrah Estate

Retail $25. I like to think of Ryan Sherman, the winemaker at Fields, as a friend so when I popped this open, I naturally thought of him and the brief time we have spent together in Lodi. This bottle also served to reaffirm that Ryan is a talented winemaker; a decade out and this wine is singing. Great fruit, a healthy dose of spice, plenty of body, a still vibrant acidity, this wine really does have all one looks for …

Five years in bottle has done this wine a good service. Decanted one hour ahead, off of very little sediment. Very deep garnet color, with orange flashes. Very nice nose, with dark spices, cherries and blackberries. Rich and smooth on the palate, as fruit flavors mix well with spice notes and cooked fruit aromas. The years have a smoothed this wine out nicely. Finishes well, with light grip and very low tannins. I am glad that I kept this wine.

Patience is rewarded. Decanted off of some sediment. Very deep garnet with just a bit of brick. Very nice nose of black cherry and meaty notes. Smoothed-out and rich on the palate, with tomato leaf flavors joining. The finish is long with near-zero tannins. A rich syrah from a warmish climate, done well.

Fields Family Wines 2012 Syrah (SRP $24): Fields Family Wines is a small family-run operation formed in 2005 between proprietor Russ Fields and winemaker, partner, and social media extraordinaire, Ryan Sherman. The duo’s delicious fuller-bodied 2012 estate-grown Syrah strikes all the right notes. On the palate, cedar, smoke, tar and dark chocolate bark are supported by layers of rich and ripe mixed berry and purple stone fruit flavors. It is well-balanced with savory qualities and a supple texture, ending with …