News from the Winery + Vineyards
As we come in to the end of April, I thought I’d take the time to talk a little bit about what’s going on here at the winery and in the vineyard.
We’re working hard in the cellar. Already, we’ve bottled some of the 2017 whites, including Quintessence Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, which came out of the Ovium Barrel, and later this week will be the Semillon. With the Optu White Wine, we are going to let things age out a little bit longer. We have equal parts of the Sauvignon Blanc for this blend in our new concrete egg, and in the standard French Oak that we’ve used in the past. We want to see what each component is like and can bring to the blend and will either use one or the other, or maybe a mixture of both in the final blend. Overall, we like to give the Optu White just a little more time to pick up some creaminess and a bit more flavor.
On the reds side, we’re doing some testing with letting the 4040 spend some time in the oak upright tanks before bottling. That blend doesn’t get a bunch of oak aging otherwise, so we’ll see what this ‘flashing’ at the end does as far as boosting the final product. This is another example of how we aren’t ever following the same recipe and are always willing to try new things to make excellent wines. Beyond that, in June we’re planning to start bottling some 2016 reds, including that 4040, as well as some Malbec, and Merlot, and then the Cabernets and bigger blends will fall later in to the summer.
4040 spending it's final days in Oak Upright tanks, prior to June bottling
Out in the vineyard we’re starting to see some bud break, and it’s like we’re starting anew. Like in the fall, when we’re in the cellar and starting to make wine again, you feel like you’re starting a new vintage. Really, that vintage starts right now when you’re starting to see some growth and are starting to prune things a certain way. I think one of the things that is great to see is that there is a lot of new planting on Red Mountain. A lot of the fruit we take, and wines that we make, are from these newer sites. This includes Quintessence, which was planted in 2010, and we took the first crop in 2012. Same thing with The Canyons Vineyard, that was planted in 2009, and we took our first crop in 2012 as well. As these vineyards age out, I think that these wines are going to settle and even out, and we’re excited to work with them long term.
Bud break in the Fidelitas Estate Vineyard
The other thing that is exciting for us to see is getting to third leaf in our new planting of the Fidelitas Estate Vineyard. These are the 9 acres we planted in 2015, that we will now be coming in to perhaps half production this year, based on what we’ve seen so far. This is really going to give us the chance to see what the wines might be like. Not only with some new Cabernet Sauvignon clones that we planted out there, like 412, 33, 169, but also some clones 2 and 6 in addition to the original planting of 2, 6, and 8. We’ll also be looking at how the Merlot is going to come on, as well as the Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc. We’re really looking forward to seeing how those are going to start turning out and are thinking about the next chapter of the vineyard.
Exploring the new plantings of the Fidelitas Estate Vineyard
Overall, on Red Mountain, things look good. We’re maybe a little bit behind a normal year, but as we know, a nice little heat boost along the way can push things forward really quickly. Already, we are scheduled to get to 86 later this week, which is really warm for the end of the April, and believe me, will push shoot growth and get us closer to a normal year.
As far as newly released wines, we are focusing a lot on Quintessence Vineyard right now. I really think that this is a great vineyard. The main blocks we take from give us extreme southern aspect, we are working with some great clones, and probably the most essential part of the vineyard, is the human factor on the terroir and what a great job they are doing there. The Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec, and Cabernet Sauvignon are all tasting great upon release.
Apr 24, 2018 at 12:27 PM
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Vendimia 2018 - Making Some Argentinian Malbec
Back in 1988 as a recent graduate from UC Davis' Viticulture and Enology graduate program, my dad was hired by Mike Januik (a fellow Davis grad) at Snoqualmie/Langguth near Mattawa, WA for his first winemaking job. After doing a harvest at Waterbrook in 1990, he rejoined Mike as a part of the winemaking team at Chateau Ste. Michelle, and worked alongside him for just under a decade, becoming the head red winemaker in '93 as Mike was serving as the head winemaker. They worked on the the first few vintages of the Col Solare project together from '95 to '98 and helped push Washington onto the world scene with the wines they crafted together during their time at the Chateau. Itching to start their own projects they both left around 1999, Mike staying on the west side of the state and creating Januik and my dad starting Fidelitas on the eastside. But you probably know this already, it's been well documented and touted by us throughout years.
What you may not know is that Mike's son, Andrew, who apparently I spent a lot of time hanging out with when I was too young to remember, has stepped into a winemaking role at Januik, and has his own "Andrew Januik" label since 2011. He started working part time at the winery when he was 13 and shortly after started working full time during the summers - a sentence that sounds all too familiar to me.
Since starting to manage our Woodinville tasting room about a year ago I reconnected with Andrew - which felt natural to say least with how much we had in common with our lives following very similar paths. After many glasses of wine, nights at karaoke bars, times spent dog-sitting for him, and quests to find the best beers in Seattle we became good friends and thought it'd be and awesome idea for me to join him for a Malbec project he had going in the famed Uco Valley region of Mendoza, Argentina. Not wanting to pass up on the opportunity to travel and learn from a talented winemaker like Andrew it was a no-brainer. Below are some highlights of past few weeks spent harvesting in Argentina:
We flew into Buenos Aires after a layover in London (this is what happens when you buy tickets at the last minute) and spent 1 night there before heading over to Mendoza. We spent hours and hours exploring the city with plenty of stops to drink beer and play cards:
Then over to Finca Agostino in Mendoza to check in on Andrew's 2017 Vintage:
Checking our fruit the day before the first pick:
Note how high these Cabernet vines are planted
Malbec
Cabernet
First day of crush at O Fournier
Early Morning Pumpovers with a view
If it weren't for the snow-capped Andes in the background you'd think this was Eastern WA
Before and after pumpovers
With plenty of breaks for empanadas
Inoculation
Thanks to Andrew for letting me tag along.
There's so much I can take away from this trip to help me in my winemaking journey.
Make sure to go taste his wines if you haven't yet!
Come see me in the tasing room this weekend!
Apr 18, 2018 at 3:00 PM
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Tips for Wine Tasting
It’s that time of year where people want to hit the road to wine country. After just recently making tasting appointments for my family, I have a few tips to provide for those who want to plan a weekend at some of their favorite (or new!) spots.
Research
Research the area you want to visit! Create a plan of attack. That way, you aren’t totally winging it and you have some sort of game plan. During your visits, even ask the staff where their favorite spots are! I have found my favorite wineries by doing just that. And trust me, the staff loves to chat all things wine!
Make a Reservation
If you are traveling with 6+ tasters (or even less) I recommend making a reservation wherever you hope to taste. This will ensure that your group has a place to sit while you enjoy your tasting. Curious if that location may have more than just their daily tasting lineup? Just ask! Some locations may offer special wine tastings at different prices.
Bring Bottled Water + Snacks
Typically, you taste anywhere from 4-5 wines at any given tasting room. That’s roughly a glass of wine at each stop. Going to multiple locations that day? The wine really adds up! Be sure to bring some bottled water for your group that way you can stay hydrated throughout each tasting. It’s also important to fuel up with food. If you are making a reservation, ask if they offer cheese plates for purchase. They can have them ready for you ahead of time. Or, if you’d rather, pack up some cheese and crackers and bring them along!
Watch Out For the Heat
If you are planning your wine trip during the hot months, this can be dangerous for any wine purchases you have made if you store the bottles in your car. Bring a wine cooler so your wine doesn’t get too hot! Or, ask the staff if you can leave your wine purchase at the tasting room and grab it later that day or on your way back out of town.
Most of all, have fun! Buy that special bottle that will help you to remember the experience you had with your friends and family.
Contact your Club Concierge Team to help plan your next visit to Red Mountain!
Apr 12, 2018 at 11:10 AM
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New Recognition for Fidelitas' 2015 Cabernet Sauvignons
"Charlie Hoppes continues to knock it out of the park with his Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignons and Bordeaux blends. These are ripe, sexy, yet balanced wines that are always a joy to drink." - Jeb Dunnuck
94 Points - 2015 Fidelitas Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate from Fidelitas, one of the flagship releases from the estate, spent 22 months in 71% new French oak. Its deep, inky purple/ruby color is followed by an impressive bouquet of ripe plums, black cherries, tobacco, and leafy herbs. Picking up more chocolate and graphite characteristics with time in the glass, this full-bodied, rich, nicely concentrated effort has fine tannin, good purity of fruit, and nicely integrated acidity.
preorder for September release
94 Points – 2015 Quintessence Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Quintessence (100% Cabernet aged in 83% new French oak) offers more tobacco, spring flower, and violets characteristics, as well as a full-bodied, pure, balanced style on the palate. With lots of blue fruits, ripe tannin, and terrific purity, it's going to keep for 10-15 years. It's another high-quality, balanced wine from this estate.
preorder for September release
94 Points – 2015 Blackwood Canyon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Another 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from this estate, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Blackwood Canyon (22 months in 71% new French oak) offers a plumper, more sweetly fruited, sexy style. Blackcurrants, blueberries, scorched earth and Asian spice notes all give way to a full-bodied, plump, rounded, yet still structured effort that has considerable depth and richness, all while not being heavy. It too will keep for 10-15 years. While I found all these 2015s to be outstanding wines, they're certainly more similar than different.
94 Points – 2015 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
From one of my favorite vineyards on Red Mountain, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Ciel du Cheval spent 22 months in 29% new French oak. Black cherry, blueberries, violets, spring flowers, and lavender notes all emerge from the glass and it has a rich, rounded, voluptuous style on the palate. Nicely balanced, with sweet tannin, it's another rocking wine from Fidelitas to enjoy over the coming 10-15 years.
93 Points – 2015 Optu Red Mountain
The 2015 Optu Red Mountain is a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, and 4% Cabernet Franc. It's another inky-colored effort that gives up plenty of graphite, tobacco, and black cherry/currants styled fruits. It has lots of Cabernet Sauvignon character, the savory tannin of the Red Mountain terroir, and a great finish.
92 Points – 2015 Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
The classic 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain (100% Cabernet aged 22 months in 80% new French oak) offers pure, elegant notes of crème de cassis, crushed flowers, and violets, with a medium to full-bodied, silky, nuanced style on the palate. Less powerful and tannic than some of the other cuvées here, it still has beautiful purity and well-integrated acidity, and is a beautiful wine that's going to drink well for 10-15 years.
preorder for September release
Apr 6, 2018 at 7:14 AM
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Party With Us
We’re finally coming into that time of year when things start to get really exciting on Red Mountain, and we have no shortage of events to celebrate all that is great about the wine and region we love. Plan your trip and party with us this spring!
visit the links for tickets and more information
Fidelitas Estate Experience on Red Mountain – April 7 + 21, May 12 + 26, June 2 + 16
Explore the Fidelitas Estate Vineyard that sits outside our Red Mountain Tasting room. Join us at the tasting room as we venture through the vines and make our way to the heart of our vineyard. We will then make our way back to the tasting room and enjoy a seated tasting of 5 wines, all sourced exclusively from Red Mountain.
Fidelitas Roadshow in Portland – April 27
Fidelitas is visiting our neighbors to the south, bringing a wine tasting event to you at Union/Pine in SE Portland. We invite members and friends to mix and mingle with winemaker, Charlie Hoppes, and Team Fidelitas while sipping on our newest releases and enjoying bites from White Pepper. Invite friends to join you at this event to taste Club only wines + the opportunity to receive joining prizes!
Feast of St. Fidelis on Red Mountain – May 4
The Feast of St. Fidelis is a celebration of all things good on Red Mountain. We're kicking off spring on the mountain with our annual event for Fidelitas Club members. Join us for new releases and amazing tacos while taking in the sights of the vineyards.
Spring Winemaker Dinner on Red Mountain – May 5
We are hosting an intimate Winemaker Dinner on Red Mountain to showcase the spring vineyard designated wines, and wonderful foods of The Q Wood Fired Grill. We have just 18 seats available for this paired dinner showcasing Red Mountain, with Fidelitas Owner + Winemaker, Charlie Hoppes.
BBQ + Band on Red Mountain – May 27
An afternoon on the Red Mountain patio with delicious BBQ and lively tunes.
Auction of Washington Wines Vineyard Dinner on Red Mountain – June 1
Take in the sweeping views of Red Mountain and The Yakima Valley while enjoying the highly acclaimed, hand crafted wines by Honorary Vintner, Charlie Hoppes, expertly paired with a memorable meal.
Auction of Washington Wines Wine and Music Festival – June 2
The Auction of Washington Wines is proud to present the 4th Annual Wine & Music Festival in the beautiful Red Mountain AVA area. The Wine & Music Festival will feature live entertainment, tasty appetizers and tastings from 20 Washington wineries.
And we’re just getting started! Check out our events calendar for more summertime fun!
Contact the Fidelitas Club Concierge for trip planning assistance and recommendations:
club@fidelitaswines.com | 509.521.9319
Apr 4, 2018 at 10:52 AM
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