If you are in Lake Chelan County, Fielding Hills is a must stop for their impressive range of wines, from crisp Rose to rich and layered Malbec. Founded by Karen and Mike Wade, for Fielding Hills everything begins in the vineyard. Their Riverbend Vineyard was planted in 1998, located in the Wahluke Slope AVA. The site is a southern facing slope in the middle of an organic orchard, as Red Delicious apples were pulled out and Riverbend Estate Vineyard was planted.
Mike Wade began making wines in 2000 and he was immediately met with critical acclaim being named a ‘Rising Star’ by Wine Spectator magazine. In 2014 Fielding Hills hired winemaker Tyler Amour to take over the program and he has crafted a brilliant new set of wines. Look to the great 2019 Fielding Hills Rose (WWB, 90) which has great freshness and vibrant red fruits. I love the 2017 Fielding Hills ‘Tribute’ Red Wine (WWB, 92) which is dense and rich, with a good amalgamation of black fruits and tension. Learn more about these great wines at thttps://www.fieldinghills.com Here are the wonderful new releases by Fielding Hills.
2019 Fielding Hills Rose- Geared towards freshness this highly energetic wine shows layers of pretty red fruits with citrus rind and wet stone flavors on the palate. Lithe and vibrant, this is best enjoy in its youth while the great level of acidity remains intact. Drink 2020-2024- 90
2018 Fielding Hills Roussanne- The 2018 Fielding Hills Roussanne shows a great combination of tension, weight and mouthfeel once on the palate. Medium-bodied with lovely lychee, melon fruits and minerals, this is one to enjoy over the next five years. Drink 2020-2025- 90
2018 Fielding Hills Chardonnay- The 2018 Fielding Hills Chardonnay has great balance and poise, with a soft mouthfeel. Layers of baked apple and pear greet you with lovely baking spice and kiwi undertones on the palate. Drink 2020-2025- 90
2017 Fielding Hill Syrah- The smoky aromatics really entice as layers of dark fruits and chocolate combine aromatically. The palate is fresh and well-balanced with blackberry compote, mocha, tar and shades of black licorice that all nicely combine. Drink 2020-2027- 90
2017 Fielding Hills Cabernet Franc- Having just a touch of Syrah and cabernet Sauvignon blended in (5% each), the 2017 Fielding Hills Cabernet Franc has light red bell pepper tones that mingle with cloves, coffee grounds and rich dark fruits aromatically. The palate is fresh, showing a good sense of mouthfeel and acidity. Layers of blackberry cobbler, chocolate cake and light salty character all mingle on the palate. Well-structured with light tannins to line the core of dark fruits, enjoy this beautiful wine over the next decade or more. Drink 2020-2032- 91
2017 Fielding Hills ‘Tribute’ Red Wine- An intriguing blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Syrah, the 2017 ‘Tribute’ shows rich anise, tar and black fruits on the nose. The palate is nicely balanced, showing great tension and acidity. Layers of Black Forest Cake, cigar box, creme de cassis and mocha all deftly combine on the palate. Showing good structure as well as concentration, the 2017 ‘Tribute’ has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2020-2035- 92
2017 Fielding Hills Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2017 Fielding Hills Cabernet Sauvignon is a seriously good new release from this storied Lake Chelan estate. On the nose the herbal tones are really nice with sagebrush and wild thyme alongside the core of black fruits and espresso bean tones on the nose. The p[alate has good freshness with medium to full-bodied dark fruits that dance with minerals and coffee grounds. Drink 2020-2032- 91
2017 Fielding Hills Malbec- The 2017 Fielding Hills Malbec has a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah blended in. A light dusting of white pepper falls upon the rich core of dark fruits on the palate. Fantastic and powerful in its youth, this beautiful wine will cellar well for at least another decade. If enjoying now, be sure to give this at least an hour decant. Drink 2020-2032- 91