The 2018 Field Recordings Fiction is my pick for the top red blend to serve with Thanksgiving this year. This Zinfandel-led blend from Paso Robles is full of pleasure, and it’s one of those wines that appeals to a wide range of palates.
I’ve been selling the Field Recordings Fiction since it first became available in North Carolina, about five years ago. But when I tasted the 2018 version, I knew immediately that this was the Zin-based wine I wanted to feature for Turkey Day. At less than $25, you’ll be very happy if you get your hands on some of this.
2018 Field Recordings Fiction
92 points Wilfred Wong, 90 points Jeb Dunnuck
This vintage is sold out. Stop by the store or click here to order this item in our online store.
Jeb Dunnuck summed this one up perfectly. “Spiced plums, peppery herbs, violets, and candied herb notes all emerge from the glass of the 2018 Fiction. This pleasure-bent, fruit-forward effort has loads of charm and is a delicious, well-priced red to drink in its youth.” Pleasure-bent is the keyword here. This stuff, despite being rich and boisterous, goes down a bit too easy.
The Field Recordings story is a good one. Young winemaker Andrew Jones founded Field Recordings after many years working in the vineyards of California’s Central Coast. And his experience in these vineyards has given him a keen eye for special but under-appreciated sites. And it is from these sites that Andrew crafts small amounts of soulful and affordable wines. Fiction was his first creation.
I know I said it was mainly Zinfandel, but there are several other grapes “at play” here. The final blend of the 2018 Field Recordings Fiction was 36% Zinfandel, 15% Cabernet Franc, 12% Mourvedre, 12% Syrah, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Grenache, 5% Touriga Nacional and 4% Alicante Bouschet. That’s a lot of different grapes, but trust me, it all comes together nicely.
And with its round and smooth style combined with its full flavors, this is perfect for the Thanksgiving feast. It’s also great with bbq, burgers, pizza, or other comfort food staples. And it’s also great as stand-along, cocktail-styled red.
This vintage is sold out. Stop by the store or click here to order this item in our online store.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville