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. A University of California, Davis grad, he had a brief job in Walla Walla in 1990 at Waterbrook Winery, and later 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.
I love the new wines and what he does with Malbec in particular. Do not miss out on the 2023 ‘Estate’ Malbec (OB, 95) which is clearly one of the finest Malbecs you will find in Washington State. Learn more about the great Fidelitas lineup at http://www.fidelitaswines.com/ Here are the great new wine releases from Fidelitas.
2023 Fidelitas ’4040’ Red Wine- Primarily Cabernet Sauvignon (79%), the ’4040’ opens with a beautiful bouquet of espresso grounds, scorched earth and green herbs. The palate is medium to full-bodied with terrific weight and length. This is beautifully-balanced stuff that is already neatly-evolved. Open 30 minutes before enjoying. Drink 2026-2040- 94
2023 Fidélitas Estate Merlot- A limited production, 200 case wine, the 2023 ‘Estate’ Merlot was stored for 22 months in 44% new French oak as well as 22% new American oak before bottling. Tar, Cuban cigar and shades of anise with black florals all mark the nose. The palate is luxurious and refined with amazing weight and length. A glorious bottling that is already drinking marvelously, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2026-2041- 95
2023 Fidélitas Estate Malbec- The outstanding 2023 ‘Estate’ Malbec was also stored in a fairly large portion of American oak (28% new) before bottling. It opens with heady aromatics of blueberry compote, creme de cassis and violet rose petals that all meld in the glass. The palate is deep and concentrated with amazing depth and richness. Glorious now, enjoy this well-structured beauty now and over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2026-2041- 95
2023 Fidélitas Estate Petit Verdot- Inky in the glass, the knockout 2023 ‘Estate’ Petit Verdot is one of the best bottlings of its kind in the state. Only 180 cases made, this was stored in 38% new French oak before bottling. Green bell pepper and black currant cordial combine with shades of Turkish coffee on the nose. The palate is silky and delicious with refined tannins and powerful core of back and blue fruits alongside graphite and Earl Grey tea notes. Drink 2026-2042- 95
2023 Fidélitas Estate Cabernet Sauvignon- The silky and rich 2023 Fidélitas Estate Cabernet Sauvignon comes from this location on Red Mountain and was stored for 34 months in nearly all new French oak before bottling. Dried herbs and purple rose petals combine with Arabica bean notes on the nose. The power and tension here, with salty minerals, all entice on the palate. Glorious now, with refined tannins, enjoy now and over the next fifteen pus years. Drink 2026-2041- 95
2023 Fidélitas Estate ‘Clone 169’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Less than 100 cases were made of the outstanding 2023 Fidélitas Estate ‘Clone 169’ Cabernet Sauvignon which saw all new French oak for 34 months before bottling. It stands jet black in the glass, reveling in its violet flower aromatics alongside dark chocolate shavings, and shades of black licorice. The palate is deep and concentrated with serious depth and finesse. Enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next fifteen to twenty years to come. Drink 2026-2046- 96
2023 Fidelitas ‘Estate Clone 412’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A heady and rich bottling, the 2023 ‘Clone 412’ was also stored in new French oak prior to bottling. Sandalwood and espresso bean notes combine with black florals on the nose. The palate is rich and concentrated with refined tannins and a smooth mouthful. Generous and broad-shouldered, with lighter walnut and salty soil tones, enjoy now and over the next fifteen to twenty years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 94