It is my pleasure to share one of the great houses on Red Mountain. Fidelitas began with legendary Washington winemaker Charlie Hoppes and his vision to focus on making red wines from this famed AVA. Hoppes formerly served as former head winemaker for Chateau Ste. Michelle. Prior to working at Chateau Ste. Michelle, he attended the world renowned Viticulture and Enology program at the University of California, Davis and in 1988 he graduated with a degree in Agricultural Science and Management with a special emphasis in Viticulture and Enology. He had a short stint in Walla Walla in 1990 at Waterbrook Winery, he began working with Mike Januik as a member of the winemaking team at Ste. Michelle in Woodinville. In 1993, he became the Head Red Winemaker and managed Ste. Michelle’s newest facility at the time, Canoe Ridge near Paterson, Washington. Hoppes had the pleasure of making the first vintages of Col Solare, from 1995-1998. Hoppes finally decided to purchase some land on Red Mountain, founding Fidelitas in 2000 -- and has produced fantastic reds and whites since that time. Fidelitas is known for their red and white Bordeaux blends, as well as their rich Cabernets.
He has a deft touch with his white wines and I love the new 2024 ‘Optu’ White Wine (OB, 94) which is generous and has fabulous flavor range. Don’t miss out on the 2023 ‘Heart of the Hill Vineyard’ Malbec (OB, 95) which is pound for pound one of the finest Malbecs made in this state. Learn more about the great Fidelitas lineup at http://www.fidelitaswines.com/ Here are the great new wine releases from Fidelitas.
2024 Fidelitas ‘Optu White’ White Wine- The 2024 ‘Optu White’ combines Sauvignon Blanc (66%) with the remainder Semillon, mainly sourced from the Artz Vineyard. Stored in 22% new French oak, this shows toasted hazelnut notes on the nose alongside papaya, white peach and shades of lemon cream. The palate is soft and elegant with a terrific mouthfeel and good sense of weight and length. This is delicious, elegant Bordeaux-inspired white wine that has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2026-2033- 94
2023 Optu Red Wine- The 2023 Optu Red Wine combines 0% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 8% Petit Verdot. This is the first edition of this wine that is entirely sourced from their estate vineyard. This was stored in a small amount of new American oak before bottling as well as 50% new French oak barrels. Tobacco and wintergreen notes mark the nose alongside dark currants, tar and graphite. The palate is fresh and viscous with a great sense of mouthfeel and texture, as each varietal works in clockwork unison. Drink 2025-2035- 94
2023 Fidelitas ‘Heart of the Hill Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 ‘Heart of the Hill Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon this was stored in all new French oak before bottling. The nose is perfumed with violets, scorched earth, anise and black raspberry cordial. The palate is rich and refined with a silky texture and glorious weight and finesse. A generous, broad-shouldered bottling, with refined tannins, that has a long way to go in the cellar, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2026-2042- 95
2023 Fidelitas ‘Heart of the Hill Vineyard’ Malbec- The brilliant 2023 Fidelitas ‘Heart of the Hill Vineyard’ Malbec is a glass-staining purple. 100% varietal, Dark chocolate shavings, anise, black currants and tar nets all combine on the nose. The palate is velvety and smooth with a silky texture and wonderful opulence. Dense and decadent, with great structure, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2026-2042- 95
2023 Fidelitas ‘Ciel du Cheval’ Cabernet Franc- This is the only Cabernet Franc that Fideitas makes from Red Mountain. 100% varietal, this was stored for 22 months in all neutral French oak before bottling. Potpourri and loganberry notes collide with orange bell pepper on the nose. The palate is complex, dense and delicious with a seamless mouthfeel and glorious length. Stony and salty nuances round out this stunning Cabernet Franc. Drink 2026-2045- 95
2023 Fidelitas ‘Ciel du Cheval’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The outstanding 2023 Fidelitas ‘Ciel du Cheval’ Cabernet Sauvignon was stored in mainly new French oak (74%) and comes from four blocks in the vineyard. Fidelitas has made Cabernet from this location since 2006. Flinty tones combine with sagebrush, mocha and tar notes. The palate is deep and concentrated with serious finesse and a great tannic backbone. Drink 2026-2045- 95
2023 Fidelities ‘Ciel du Cheval’ Merlot- The 2023 ‘Ciel du Cheval’ Merlot comes from this acclaimed location on Red Mountain. This comes off juicy and refined with loads of dried herbs, scorched earth, tar and pipe tobacco alongside rich red fruits. Delicious and showing beautifully right now, enjoy over the next fifteen years. Drink 2026-2041- 94