Fidélitas Wines - Red Mountain

Optu White Wine is comprised of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, two white wine grapes that can be found in the Bordeaux-region of France. While we love this wine on warm and sunny days, we intentionally hold the Optu White for a late fall release in hopes that it will be enjoyed with those rich and varied holiday foods. Ripe, tropical fruit tones are highlighted with notes of lemon and honeysuckle, giving us a lush, yet bright finished product, perfect for pairing with food or enjoying on its own. Optu White Wine is ready for drinking now, but Charlie always hides a few in the cellar for future enjoyment. Wine Specs: Vintage - 2018; Varietal- 55% Sauvignon Blanc, 45% Semillon; Appellation - Red Mountain; Vineyard Designation - Klipsun Vineyard; Alcohol % - 14.3

In 2020, Fidelitas releases its inaugural vintage of Red Mountain Petit Verdot and believe it's a great example of the richness that 2017 vintage wines deliver from Red Mountain. On its own, we look at the tannic structure and deep, dark color that thick-skinned Petit Verdot can offer. Charlie says "it was a very conscious decision to make this a soft and drinkable Petit Verdot, that could be enjoyed upon release. Still, you might want to consider cellaring this wine for great integration and definitely enjoy it with food to release its full potential." The 2017 vintage was sourced from the newer planting of Blackwood Canyon Vineyard, which runs adjacent to our own Estate Vineyard, as well as the older vines from Ciel du Cheval Vineyard. Drink now through 2027. Complimentary shipping on 6+ bottles. Wine Specs: Vintage - 2017; Varietal - 100% Petit Verdot; Appellation - Red Mountain; Vineyard Designation - 63% Blackwood Canyon Vineyard, 37% Ciel du Cheval Vineyard; Fermentation - 13% 2 Ton Open Top Tank; Alcohol % - 14.4

Part careful site selection, using specific and unique blocks on Red Mountain, and part TLC in the cellar, Charlie's Malbec sets itself apart from the rest. "On Red Mountain, I think we see a bit more of true varietal characteristics, brought about by the warmer temperatures," Charlie states. "We're getting nice, ripe black fruit notes, even a hint of licorice, and definitely that nice spice" This stealthy, black on black bottle, kicks off a year's worth of new releases, and is celebrated by Team Fidelitas as the start of good things to come. Drink now through 2026. Wine Specs: Vintage - 2017; Varietal - 100% Malbec; Appellation - Red Mountain

"It's just fun!" Charlie grins, when we ask him why he loves Merlot so much. "Merlot can have a lot more finesse than Cabernet Sauvignon. In fact, Washington's reputation as a wine producing region was built on Merlot." The 2017 vintage of Red Mountain Merlot sources old vine fruit from Kiona's 1975 block and Red Mountain Vineyard's 1990 planting, along with the much younger Blackwood Canyon and Quintessence Vineyards. This careful blending of old and new gives us consistent quality and complexity that showcases bright blackberry and dark cherry. Drink now through 2026. Vintage - 2017; Varietal - 100% Merlot; Appellation - Red Mountain; Vineyard Designation - 28% Blackwood Canyon Vineyard, 28% Red Mountain Vineyard, 23% Kiona Estate Vineyard, 21% Quintessence Vineyard; Fermentation - 12% 500L Roller Barrel, 9% 400hL Boutes Tank. Bottling Date - July 2019; Alcohol % - 14.5

This is by far, the biggest Merlot that we make, but in the best way possible. Not to be mistaken for drinking velvet in the form of wine, the Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Merlot shows incredible concentration and elegance, all set within a round and lush body. Using blocks within Ciel du Cheval Vineyard planted in 1994 and 2001, the Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Merlot is distinctively different than other Fidelitas Merlots in its depth of flavor and complexity, displaying layers of fruit and spice set within fine tannins. Drink now through 2027. Wine Specs: Vintage - 2017; Varietal - 100% Merlot; Appellation - Red Mountain; Vineyard Designation - Ciel du Cheval Vineyard; Aging - 66% New French Oak Fermentation - 50% 500L Roller Barrel; Bottling Date - July 2019; Alcohol % - 14.9

The Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from some very recognizable vineyards, Fidelitas Estate and Quintessence, but certainly shouldn't be confused for either one. Charlie is selecting specific blocks and different clones from each of these sites than what you'd find in either of the vineyard designated wines. Then he follows careful fermentation and barrel aging regimens that make this wine uniquely its own, showcasing bright, juicy fruit. We call this the Cabernet that pleases all palates and showcases great richness and concentration. Drink now through 2028. Wine Specs: Vintage - 2017; Varietal - 100% Cabernet Sauvignon; Appellation - Red Mountain; Vineyard Designation - 62% Quintessence Vineyard, 38% Fidelitas Estate Vineyard; Aging - 93% New French Oak; Fermentation - 28% 2 Ton Open Top Tank, 28% 40hL Boutes Tank, 16% 500L Roller Barrels; Bottling Date - August 2019; Alcohol % - 15

Charlie does not follow a recipe while crafting his wines. Even with a wine like Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine he has been making since the 2006 vintage, this single varietal, single vineyard wine is going to be different every year. In the 2017 vintage (which Charlie cannot say enough about and highly recommends cellaring for a bit), the two clones of Cabernet were fermented separately in wood, giving each one the opportunity to build its own characteristics prior to blending. The end result is a wine that has structured tannins, bold fruit, and a lingering finish. Drink now through 2030. Wine Specs: Vintage - 2017; Varietal - 100% Cabernet Sauvignon; Appellation - Red Mountain; Vineyard Designation - Ciel du Cheval Vineyard; Aging - 63% New French Oak; Fermentation - 63% 40hL Boutes Tank, 37% 500L Roller Barrel; Bottling Date - August 2019; Alcohol % - 14.6

Optu Red Mountain is a block by block built Bordeaux-style blend. "Our 20th vintage of Optu is now resting in barrel, it's definitely a nostalgic wine for me," Charlie says. "It's the wine that I'm thinking of first when I'm out walking the vineyards during harvest." Optu is consistent with a base of Cabernet Sauvignon, but also allows us to source the select barrels of Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc to complete the blend. The 2017 vintage is a star today but shows a depth and complexity that promises great potential in the cellar as well. "There is a little bit of art to winemaking, and a good blend really allows a winemaker to showcase that art." Drink now through 2030. Wine Specs: Vintage - 2017; Varietal - 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc; Appellation - Red Mountain; Vineyard Designation - 53% The Canyons Vineyard, 19% Shaw Vineyard, 18% Quintessence Vineyard, 6% Kiona Estate Vineyard, 4% Red Mountain Vineyard; Aging - 61% New French Oak, 7% New American Oak; Fermentation - 25% 500L Roller Barrel, 19% 40hL Boutes Tank, 3% 500L Upright Barrel; Bottling Date - August 2019; Alcohol % - 15

Charlie Hoppes created 4040, named for the 4, 040 acres that make up the Red Mountain growing region, as a tribute to this unique corner of the world and as an introduction to Fidélitas. We lovingly refer to 4040 as the younger sibling to our vineyard designated Cabernets and blends. For this Cabernet-dominate blend, Charlie uses specific vineyards and winemaking techniques to create a wine suited for everyday enjoyment. Enjoy bright red fruit tones, balanced by soft tannins and an expressive finish. Drink now through 2025. Wine Specs: Vintage - 2017; Varietal - 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 12% Malbec; Appellation - Red Mountain; Aging - 6% New French Oak; Fermentation - 33% 40hL Boutes Tank, 15% 500L Roller Barrel, 10% 2 Ton Open Top Tank; Alcohol % - 14.8

The Fidelitas Late Harvest Semillon is only made in exceptional years, where the conditions allow us to leave the fruit on the vine for an extended amount of time. This additional hang time allows the sugars to concentrate in the grapes, giving us the perfect amount of sweetness for this delightful dessert wine. Dense aromas of peach and honey drift from the glass, matched by balanced acidity on the palate with tones of ripe apple and white flowers. Pair with a fruit tart or enjoy on its own for a wonderful dessert. Wine Specs: Vintage - 2017; Varietal - 100% Semillon; Appellation - Red Mountain; Bottling Date - August 2018; Residual Sugar - 272 g/L; Alcohol % - 13.2

Ciel du Cheval is one of the most historically significant vineyard sites in the AVA, planted by Red Mountain pioneer, Jim Holmes. For this showstopping Cabernet Sauvignon, Charlie selected Clone 8 from blocks planted in the mid-nineties, along with Clone 191 that was planted in 2002. The age of the vines, along with careful attention in both the vineyard and the cellar, give us a wine with exceptional finesse and structure. Bold black fruit, a recognizable Red Mountain earthiness, and well-integrated tannins come together to create a delicate and lasting finish. Drink now through 2030. 18 hand etched and painted magnums produced. Wine Specs: Vintage - 2016; Varietal - 100% Cabernet Sauvignon; Appellation - Red Mountain; Vineyard Designation - Ciel du Cheval Vineyard; Aging - 75% New French Oak; Fermentation - 32% 500L Roller Barrel, 18% 500L Upright Barrel; Alcohol % - 14.1

This is by far, the biggest Merlot that we make, but in the best way possible. Not to be mistaken for drinking velvet in the form of wine, the Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Merlot shows incredible concentration and elegance, all set within a round and lush body. Using blocks within Ciel du Cheval Vineyard planted in 1994 and 2001, the Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Merlot is distinctively different than other Fidelitas Merlots in its depth of flavor and complexity, displaying layers of fruit and spice set within fine tannins. Drink now through 2027. Wine Specs: Vintage - 2017; Varietal - 100% Merlot; Appellation - Red Mountain; Vineyard Designation - Ciel du Cheval Vineyard; Aging - 66% New French Oak; Fermentation - 50% 500L Roller Barrel; Bottling Date - July 2019; Alcohol % - 14.9

In some ways Jim Holmes, who took a leap of faith in planting Ciel du Cheval Vineyard in the early 1970s, is a master blender himself. In the past 40 years, he has tinkered with the various varietals and trellising methods, monitored and measured the nutrients and moisture levels, and then witnessed winemakers take his hard work and turn it in to wines that he would call "an expression of place". His blending in the vineyard, which would entail finding the perfect site for each varietal, is showcased in the Ciel du Cheval Red Wine, where Charlie has chosen select varietals and blended them together to express the place Jim built so many years ago. Drink now through 2027. Wine Specs: Vintage - 2017; Varietal - 40% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 16% Petit Verdot; Appellation - Red Mountain; Vineyard Designation - Ciel du Cheval Vineyardl; Aging - 8% New French Oak; Fermentation - 16% 2 Ton Open Top Tank; Bottling Date - July 2019; Alcohol % - 13.9

Charlie does not follow a recipe while crafting his wines. Even with a wine like Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine he has been making since the 2006 vintage, this single varietal, single vineyard wine is going to be different every year. In the 2017 vintage (which Charlie cannot say enough about and highly recommends cellaring for a bit), the two clones of Cabernet were fermented separately in wood, giving each one the opportunity to build its own characteristics prior to blending. The end result is a wine that has structured tannins, bold fruit, and a lingering finish. Drink now through 2030. Wine Specs: Vintage - 2017; Varietal - 100% Cabernet Sauvignon; Appellation - Red Mountain; Vineyard Designation - Ciel du Cheval Vineyard; Aging - 63% New French Oak; Fermentation - 63% 40hL Boutes Tank, 37% 500L Roller Barrel; Bottling Date - August 2019; Alcohol % - 14.6