92
points
Fidelitas 2003 Sémillon (Columbia Valley (WA))
-
$15
Yet another remarkable Sémillon from Washington State; this one is from winemaker Charlie Hoppes, who owns Fidelitas but consults for a half dozen other properties. This is a total wow! wine, packed with flavors of big, plump pear, blood orange, Meyer lemon and Macintosh apple. It puts most Chardonnays to shame for the sheer pleasure it delivers at this price
— P.G.
(12/15/2004)
91
points
Fidelitas 2008 Merlot (Red Mountain)
-
$45
Tightly wound, this young Merlot, from a blend of Red Mountain vineyards, has a steely spine and muscular tannins. The fruit is a bit subdued at the moment, but there is a clear sense of structure, verticality and depth. Notes of graphite and earth accent the tart red fruits. Give this one plenty of decanting.
— P.G.
(5/1/2011)
91
points
Fidelitas 2007 Optu Red (Columbia Valley (WA))
-
$40
The Optu red is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 9% Malbec and 6% Petit Verdot. No Cab Franc, which seems to be losing favor among Washington winemakers. The 2007 is a much better Optu than its predecessor, nicely structured and balanced, with a blend of fruit, leaf, earth and barrel that is seamless and complex. Elegant and detailed, this is a wine to tuck away…
— P.G.
(5/1/2011)
91
points
Fidelitas 2007 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Red Mountain)
-
$55
From a vineyard sited near the winery, this is the most supple, balanced and evenly detailed of the 2007 red wines from Fidélitas. The lightly muscled, compact fruit flavors bring black cherry, cassis, and plum together, with a strong minerality providing subtext. A suggestion of smoke suffuses the finish.
— P.G.
(12/1/2010)
91
points
Fidelitas 2005 Boushey Vineyard Red Wine (Yakima Valley)
-
$50
Merlot comprises 53% of the blend, Cabernet Sauvignon 40%, and Cab Franc fills in the final 7%. Well built and satisfyingly complete, this tribute to grower Dick Boushey uses fruit from his oldest (25-year) vines. Scents of toast, mint and moist earth introduce varied fruit flavors of boysenberry, purple grape, cherry and plum. It’s a big, bold wine that segues…
— P.G.
(11/1/2008)
90
points
Fidelitas 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))
-
$30
Great vineyard sources (Gamache, Klipsun) start things right, and this pureblooded, 100% Cab, though pushed to the point of showing some volatile high tones, compensates with saturated flavors of ripe berries, complemented with buttery oak. The silky finish can’t help but win your heart.
— P.G.
(12/15/2005)