Raymond R Collection Field Blend

Raymond R Collection Field Blend is a Napa Valley red wine (750ml, 13.5% ABV) blending five varietals in a style rooted in early California viticulture. The 2015 vintage earned a Gold Medal at the San Francisco International Wine Competition, and the 2012 vintage received 92 points from The Ultimate Wine Challenge — strong showings for a wine at this accessible price tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Napa Valley, California  |  Red Field Blend  |  Winery: Raymond Vineyards

Production & Heritage

Raymond Vineyards, a well-established Napa Valley estate, produces this blend from five core red varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Zinfandel, with some vintages incorporating Carignane and Mourvèdre for added complexity. The wine takes its name and philosophy from the traditional field blend method — a practice dating to the earliest days of California winemaking, when multiple grape varieties were planted side by side in the same vineyard, then harvested and vinified together rather than blended post-fermentation. This approach yields a different character than conventionally blended wines, as the varietals interact from the moment of crush, producing layers that can't be replicated by blending finished wines in a tank.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Dark fruit dominates the nose — ripe blackberry, boysenberry, and cherry — followed by secondary layers of anise, white pepper, and warm baking spice like cinnamon and clove. Later pours may reveal subtle cedar and dried herb notes as the wine opens.

Taste: The entry is plush with red currant and ripe strawberry, moving into a medium-bodied mid-palate of blackberry jam and black currant. As the wine develops across the tongue, earthy undertones of tobacco leaf emerge alongside hints of vanilla and a gentle herbaceous quality that keeps the fruit from becoming one-dimensional.

Finish: Medium in length with balanced tannins and a lingering note of dark fruit and soft spice. The finish stays clean and dry without excessive oak or astringency.

How to Drink the R Collection Field Blend

This wine drinks well at cellar temperature (60–65°F) with no decanting necessary, though 20 minutes of air can soften younger vintages. It also holds up with a single ice cube on warm evenings without losing structure.

• Sangria: The multi-varietal fruit profile creates a naturally complex base without needing excessive added sugar or liqueur.
• Kalimotxo: The blend's dark fruit and moderate tannins pair surprisingly well with cola in this classic Basque cocktail, where bolder reds tend to dominate.
• Mulled Wine: The existing spice notes — cinnamon, clove, anise — harmonize with traditional mulling spices rather than clashing.

Best For

• Weeknight dinner pairing when you want Napa Valley quality without opening a $50 bottle
• Introducing red wine drinkers to field blends and California winemaking history
• Casual gatherings where a crowd-pleasing, food-friendly red is needed by the case
• Gifting a wine-curious friend something with genuine regional pedigree at a reasonable price

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the R Collection Field Blend taste like? It delivers ripe dark fruit — blackberry, cherry, and black currant — layered with tobacco, vanilla, and warm baking spice on a medium-bodied frame. The tannins are soft and approachable, making it easy to drink young.

How does the R Collection Field Blend compare to Bogle Phantom Red Blend? Both are California multi-varietal reds at a similar price point, but the Raymond uses a field blend philosophy inspired by historical vineyard practices, while Bogle Phantom is a conventional blend of separately vinified Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Raymond tends toward slightly more refined fruit with earthy complexity, while the Phantom leans bolder and more fruit-forward with heavier extraction.

Is the R Collection Field Blend good for beginners? Yes — the soft tannins, generous fruit, and moderate 13.5% ABV make it one of the more approachable Napa Valley reds available. It rewards casual sipping without demanding the palate experience that bigger Cabernets require.

Where is the R Collection Field Blend made? It is produced by Raymond Vineyards in Napa Valley, California. Raymond is one of the valley's established estates, with vineyards benefiting from the region's warm days and cool nights.

What foods pair well with the R Collection Field Blend? Grilled lamb chops work well against the wine's dark fruit and spice. Beef short ribs braised in red wine mirror its earthy depth. Aged cheddar or Gouda complement the vanilla and tobacco notes. Mushroom risotto picks up the herbaceous quality on the mid-palate. Barbecue ribs with a smoky-sweet glaze match the wine's fruit intensity without overwhelming it.

What sizes does the R Collection Field Blend come in? The standard offering is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is the R Collection Field Blend worth the price? It positions as a strong entry-level Napa Valley red, delivering regional character and a genuine field blend methodology at a price point where most competitors offer simpler, conventionally blended wines. The consistent award recognition across multiple vintages supports its reputation as a solid value.

Why the R Collection Field Blend?

What separates this wine from the crowded California red blend category is the field blend approach itself — a production method that most wineries at this price tier don't attempt because it requires committed vineyard planning rather than cellar-stage blending. The result is a wine where the five varietals have co-fermented and integrated in ways that conventional blending simply cannot replicate. Multiple vintages have earned competition recognition, including a Gold Medal at the San Francisco International Wine Competition and 92 points from The Ultimate Wine Challenge, confirming that the approach delivers consistent quality. For drinkers who want a Napa Valley red with genuine historical character and real complexity at everyday pricing, this field blend stands apart from formula-driven alternatives.