Fidelitas Reviews, Awards, and Mentions
-Paul Gregutt says Charlie Hoppes is "...one of the unsung heroes who helped to define the Washington winemaking style of red wines during the crucial decade of the 1990's..." (page 157)
-One of Wine and Spirit Magazine's Top 100 World Wineries of the Year for 2007 (artisan).
-One of the Pac Northwest's 10 "Up and Coming Producers" in Tom Stevenson's Wine Report 2008.
Fidelitas- 2003 Optu (Columbia Valley)
The Optu blends grapes from Conner-Lee, Stillwater, Klipsun, Red Mountain vineyard and a bit of ld vine Cabernet from Gamache- all excellent sites. It’s two-thirds Cabernet, the rest mostly Merlot with 4% Cab Franc. Some nice sweet blackberry and black cherry fruit sails up from the glass; there is a touch of coffee/espresso on the nose also. It’s a very pretty wine, accessible and balanced, with light fruit, nicely ripened but with an elegant, feminine personality. 90 pts.
Wine Enthusiast. Dec. 31, 2006
This blend of cabernet, merlot and cabernet franc smells savory and meaty, with olive and cedar supporting cassis notes. It’s big and unformed, but the potential is evident in its succulent, youthful black raspberry flavor. Give it a little cellar time.
Wine & Spirits
Fidelitas- 2005 Semillon (Columbia Valley)
All barrel fermented in used French oak. This is an elegant sipping wine, and the Semillon shows fig and green plum flavors; it’s much less herbal than Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a gentle white, not oaky but hinting at toast, and persistent in an appealing style. Perfect for halibut and other seafood; nice with sushi for sure. 89 pts.
Wine Enthusiast. Dec. 31, 2006
Fidelitas- 2003 Champoux Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley)
The Champoux is muscular, supple and laced with flavors of earth, iron filings hints of tobacco and dark cherry fruits. It is the deepest and most concentrated of the Fidelitas lineup, with more substance and weight. 91 pts.
Wine Enthusiast. Dec. 31, 2006
This dark, silky cabernet shows that Champoux fruit can rival Red Mountain's for power and intensity. Its tannins support cherry and cassis fruit so ripe it's nearly black, with just enough suppleness to let the wine feel plumply cushioned. For a thick-cut rib eye, served rare. 93 pts.
Wine & Spirits
Fidelitas- 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon (Walla Walla)
This is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from old vines. I love the purity of this wine, the way it captures the elegance and the Cabernet character that is so important, particularly the black olive and light herb. It seems to be the right combination of New World ripeness and French varietal character; and it comes in at a modest 13.5% alcohol. Sturdy and tart, displaying cranberry and strawberry fruit, lightly spiced with pepper, it finishes with the tannins showing dry, green tea flavors. 89 pts.
Wine Enthusiast. Dec. 31, 2006
There's a classic Walla Walla feel to this wine, its leafy autumnal scents and bright red fruit aromas cradling a potent, piercing raspberry flavor. A dusty earthiness on the finish gives the wine lift; ideal with braised beef. 90
Wine & Spirits
2005 Fidelitas Boushey Red Wine
The 2005 Boushey Red Wine is made up of 53% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 7% Cabernet Franc from vines at least 25 years of age. It was aged for 22 months in 67% new French oak. The aromatic array contains notes of pain grille, pencil lead, spice box, and an assortment of black fruits. Made in a slightly austere style, the wine has a smooth texture, some breadth on the palate, and a lengthy finish. It has 3-5 years of aging potential and should be at its best from 2012-2020. 90 pts. - Jay Miller
Wine Advocate
June, 2008
2005 Fidelitas Optu
The 2005 OPTU Red Wine is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Malbec sourced from six vineyards. Wood smoke, earth notes, clove, vanilla, black cherry, and black currant make up the enticing bouquet. Made in an elegant style, the fruit is smooth textured, ripe, and the flavors savory and spicy leading to a long finish. More structured than the preceding wines but well balanced, it will drink well from 2012 to 2025. 90 pts. - Jay Miller
Wine Advocate
June, 2008
2005 Fidelitas Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley is 100% varietal sourced from five vineyards. Notes of spice box, damp earth, mocha, and black currant frame the aromatics. Made in a softer, more supple style, it has some elegance but needs slightly more depth. Cellar it for 2-3 years and drink it through 2020. 89 pts. - Jay Miller
Wine Advocate
June, 2008