Brace yourself, pretty freaking tasty.
My first exposure to the 2012 Fidelitas 4040 was August last year. I stopped by the tasting room on Red Mountain for a special tasting of Cabernet based Fidelitas wines. Chelsea opened and poured for me and did a wonderful job. The wine showed well even though it was opened when I arrived. I've come to realize that my palate, of late, prefers the depth and complexity of red blends. My curiosity about how this vintage would continue to develop the longer it was open was piqued.
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| Fidelitas Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain August 28, 2014. |
Red Mountain AVA and Charlie Hoppes are both well known for producing stunning red wines of depth. Don't miss any opportunity to sample wines made by Mr. Hoppes. And put his Red Mountain Fidelitas tasting room on your must visit list. You owe it to yourself.
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| Wine of the Week Fidelitas 2012 4040. |
Tasting Notes Fidelitas 2012 4040 Red Wine
Color: Dark, black cherry skin.
Nose: Broad, soft, red and dark fruit, rich background.
Palate: Pow with the fruit, cherry and black currant ran down the palate front to back, a touch tart at open. Full of promise.
At 15 minutes: A lot going on, rich dark fruit, medium grippy tannin, a little tart, almost chocolate on the finish.
At 30 minutes: Nose opening, black cherry, dusty dark chocolate, cigar box, spice, blackberry. Happy mouth, fruit action mid-palate with blueberry and blackberry, more fluid, medium body, pleasantly dry on the gums and tongue, tartness almost integrated, coffee, cherry and tar into the growing finish. Enjoyable and promised more. Tease.
After an hour: Bring it on! Fluid, tasty, big cherry, luxurious Washington terroir. Thoughts of a fireplace, falling winter rain, city lights, grilled New York strip, smiles, and more smiles flitted through my head. Pretty freaking tasty at this point as the wine stretched and displayed its charms. Truly food ready, a match to strong cheeses, olives, spices and seasoned dishes. Big smile.
At two hours: Layered and expressive, herbal note, blueberry, cherry, blackberry, fresh finish.
Day two: Scrumptious, ripe blackberry to blueberry, coffee, silky mouth feel, fresh quality mid-palate into the almost juicy medium finish.
Thoughts: This wine is good now, and better if you wait or decant. But it hints at greater pleasures if you can afford to cellar. I would suggest drinking a year from now for even more enjoyment. This vintage should continue to improve in bottle over the next five year. Quite lovely at 2.5 hours. Strongly Recommended + Wine of the Week.
Blend: 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot
Closure: Natural cork
ABV: 14.7%
Production: 1,250 cases
SRP: $32 - $40
Winemaker: Charlie Hoppes
Fidelitas Tasting Room
Fidelitas on Red Mountain is open 11am to 5pm.
51810 N. Sunset Road
Benton City, WA 99320
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| Fidelitas Red Mountain tasting room. |
About
Winemaker Charlie Hoppes has spent the past 20 + years as a leading winemaker for several noted Washington wineries. He was Assistant Winemaker at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, then Head Red Winemaker at Chateau Ste. Michelle's facility at Paterson, where he helped create the premium label for Col Solare's first two vintages. In 1999 Charlie worked to help start Three Rivers Winery in Walla Walla. He created his own label Fidelitas wines in 2000. He my friends makes wonderful wine.
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| View of Fidelitas Red Mountain tasting room. |
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