Fidélitas ‘Optu’ Red Mountain Red Blend
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Fidélitas Optu Red Mountain red blend is a premium Bordeaux-style wine from Washington State.
- Crafted by winemaker Charlie Hoppes, it has been the winery’s flagship since 2000.
- Its name, “Optu,” meaning “the best” in Latin, reflects its status as the pinnacle of their Left Bank blends. The team selects specific barrels from top blocks to create this reserve blend, showcasing the highest quality and unique character of each vintage.
Varietal: 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc
Elaboration: The Fidélitas Optu Red Mountain red blend is a carefully crafted wine aged for 22 months. With 33% new French oak, it develops elegant flavors, complemented by 10% new American oak that adds richness. Fermentation occurs in a mix of vessels: 37% oak tanks , alongside 13% roller barrels and 3% upright barrels.
Tasting Notes: On the nose, one can detect black currant, cherry, and cedar. The palate reveals a richness and ripeness filled with an abundance of red and black fruit, including black cherry, blackberry, and plum. This blend is well-balanced and serves as a versatile option for food pairing. Drink now through 2035.
PRESS
2020 – 91 Wine Enthusiast | 92 Vinous
2021 – 94 Jeb Dunnuck | 94 Vinous | 93 James Suckling | 93 Decanter
2022 – 92 James Suckling | 92 Vinous
2023 – 94 Wine Enthusiast | 92 Vinous
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Fidélitas embodies three core principles: faithfulness, loyalty, and truth. For over twenty years, this esteemed family-owned winery, established and operated by winemaker Charlie Hoppes, has been dedicated to sourcing exceptional fruit from its 15-acre estate and renowned vineyard partners in the Red Mountain appellation. Its commitment to Bordeaux varieties is evident in its remarkable single-varietal and single-vineyard bottlings, as well as in exquisite blends that reflect the region’s unique terroir.