Your Fall Wine List
Holiday season is about to kick off and I am still in shock that summer is over. Before you know it, you’ll be getting invited to different holiday events, family gatherings, and neighborhood block parties. Lucky for you, Fidelitas has your wine list covered. Bring any one of these bottles and you’ll be the hit of the party!
2015 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
(Being released to members in November! Join the Club to get in on this limited release)
2015 Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
2015 Red Mountain Malbec
2015 Red Mountain Merlot
2017 Red Mountain Optu White Wine
(Being released in November!)
To reserve any of these wines, please contact us! Inventory goes quickly this time of year so be sure to stock up now.
We love seeing what you are up to when drinking Fidelitas with friends and family! Be sure to share your photos with us this coming holiday season. Cheers!
Oct 18, 2018 at 12:00 PM
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Harvest Update
This is our first official harvest off the 2015 Fidelitas planting! One of the most exciting things of the year is pulling fruit for a brand-new vintage. Especially when it comes from our Estate Vineyard which by early next week we'll have most of the Merlot picked. Who’s ready for some Estate Merlot? Our Cabernet Sauvignon is at 24 brix and Charlie is planning to let it hang on the vines for another 2 weeks or so if everything goes according to plan with the weather.
We’re getting active in Quintessence Vineyard as well, snagging some Merlot and Cabernet Entav clones 169 + 191, and hoping to pick some Malbec by early next week.
Given the warm weather we had in August it has compressed our window and we are expected to be done picking by the end of the month. Woah! We've seen Cabernet Sauvignon ready in so many vineyards we source from that we are just going to continue to pick and move fruit into the cellar as fast as we can.
Very Important Harvest Update:
As many of you know, its club processing time this week! Charlie decided to stop by to say ‘hello!’ to us girls and asked if we have listened to the Shakira station on Spotify. Turns out, this is all they have been listening to in the cellar. Nothing like dancing to Shakira on a ladder while doing Punch Down’s!
Sep 13, 2018 at 1:19 PM
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Magna Membership Appreciation
Magna, Latin for great, noble, and significant, is the most exclusive level of the Fidelitas Wine Club. One of the biggest perks of this membership is a fun filled weekend including an early morning event followed by a complimentary dinner hosted on Red Mountain overlooking our estate vineyard. It may be hot (around 90 degrees) but that doesn’t keep our members from having fun.
Saturday morning our Magna members will be joining 2018 Honorary Vintner, Charlie Hoppes, and Honory Grower, Marshall Edwards while they discuss Red Mountain vineyards and winemaking. It wouldn't be a fun activity without wine involved! Barrel samples will of course, be provided.
Later on in the evening comes the best part! A family style dinner filled with wine, great company, a ton of laughs. Below is the menu for Saturday evening and we are already dreaming about those fritters.
Passed Appetizers
Truffle Roaster Morel Mushrooms
fried garlic scapes
Merlot Braised Pork Belly
thyme, savory blueberry compote
2017 Red Mountain Semillon
2015 The Canyons Vineyard Red Wine
Dinner
Beet Salad
candied walnuts, arugula, gorgonzola dolce
2016 Optu White
Cast Iron Cap of Ribeye
sauce chasseurs rouges
White Bean "Risotto"
thyme roasted radishses
Roasted Spring Vegetables
2015 Red Mountain Merlot
2015 Optu Red Mountain
2015 Quintessence Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Dessert
Sweet Risotto Fritters
strawberry-rhubarb compote
2013 Klipsun Vineyard Late Harvest Semillon
But wait, there's more. We've decied to up the ante this year and include some secret wines for our guests to try. Once the wine is gone (will probably take no time!) we will reveal what they were drinking. We can't wait to host our Magna members and are looking forward onother weekend full of memories! Below are some pictures from years past.
Jun 20, 2018 at 1:00 PM
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Kicking off Summer Entertaining + BBQ's
Is anyone else in shock that June is just around the corner? Even though time is going (too) fast, this means that entertaining, BBQ’s, and nice weather have arrived. Can’t really complain about that! No matter the party, we know one item that should always be present. Whether you want to bring a bottle as a gift for the host, or pair with those ribs and salads, Fidelitas has you covered. Below are some of my current favorites for those summer festivities!
2017 Red Mountain Semillon – future release
Releases June 6, contact us to pre-order! If you're looking for that perfect wine to pair with salads, this is your bottle!
2015 The Canyons Vineyard Red Wine
A delicious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Merlot. My top pick for BBQ's and 4th of July! This is a fun addition to sip with anything off the grill.
2015 Red Mountain Malbec
You can't not have a Malbec at the party! Bring this phantom bottle to your gathering and I promise, people will be pouring themselves a glass to drink with ribs.
2015 Quintessence Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
This 94 point wine is a perfect gift for the host that will certianly impress. Convince them to open this bottle and pair with steak!
2015 Red Mountain Merlot
I tasted this wine last week and I was definitely impressed. Perfectly smooth, elegant, and some of the best fruits were noticeable. Let's face it, Merlot goes with everything!
Happy summer!
May 16, 2018 at 1:30 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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Exclusive New Releases
And just like that, we are already half way through spring club season! This spring we had/have some amazing releases in store. A few that definitely stick out and really fit the term “limited release” are listed below. Some of these wines never even make it to our tasting bar! We do wish that everyone could get their hands on these exclusive wines but, that’s what makes them so exclusive. To get on the wait-list or to pre-order please contact our Club team!
2017 Quintessence Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc - 50 cases produced
2015 Blackwood Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon - 168 cases produced (sold out prior to release!)
2015 Red Heaven Cabernet Sauvignon - 144 cases produced (sold out prior to release!)
2015 Quintessence Vineyard Malbec - 168 cases produced
After making way through our Wine Club, we do have two new releases that have found their way to our tasting lineup. Come in to get your taste of some Fidelitas favorites!
2015 Optu Red Mountain
2015 Red Mountain Merlot
Mar 8, 2018 at 3:45 PM
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Start Previewing + Planning
This year we listened to our members and are delivering on our promise! 2018 has some changes in store including members now having the ability to choose what they would like as their allocation from our newest and most limited releases. Finally!
With all the great wine being released its nice to be able to personally select what you want in your cellar. Who doesn’t like being able to call the shots? We understand it can be a little difficult to choose the 4 bottles you want without being able to try them first. Here comes the second change to 2018! We just hosted our first (of two) Preview Tastings this past weekend. At this event, our Optu members were able to taste the wines before they are even released, so they can make a more educated decision for their allocation. Below are the wines we tasted this past weekend that are set to be released in the first half of the year.
2015 Red Mountain Merlot – February Release
2015 Optu Red Mountain – February Release
2015 Blackwood Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon – February Release
2015 Red Mountain Malbec – Bonus Wine!
2017 Quintessence Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc – April Release
*this wine is still in The Ovium (our special barrel specifically for Sauvignon Blanc) so was not able to make it to the party
2015 The Canyons Vineyard Red Wine – April Release
2015 Quintessence Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon – April Release
2015 Red Heaven Cabernet Sauvignon – April Release
*with only 144 cases produced and more members than bottles, we saved this wine so we could allocate it instead of pour it
2015 Quintessence Vineyard Malbec- Bonus Wine!
If you are currently an Optu member and weren’t able to make it, don’t fear! Our second Preview Tasting will be hosted in July. Now is the perfect time to join if you aren’t already part of the Fidelitas family. One easy step and you can get in on our first release of the year happening in just one week.
Jan 30, 2018 at 9:00 AM
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The Real Winner During the Holidays
As many of you know, Charlie makes one delicious Late Harvest Semillon. If you’re sitting there thinking “What? I had no idea!”, we won’t blame you. This wine rarely makes it onto the tasting bar mainly because we don’t produce a lot of it and love to have it around for special occasions, like the holidays!
Charlie leaves the grapes on the vines longer than you normally would, so that they develop more sugar and become much more concentrated. Look at it this way. Charlie brought in fruit for our dry Semillon on Sunday, September 10th. For our Late Harvest Semillon, he picked the fruit on Tuesday, November 21. Over two months later! I mentioned that we don’t typically pour this in the tasting room because not a lot is produced, roughly 50 cases, but it’s also a little more difficult to produce. Charlie takes a big risk leaving the grapes on the vines that long and the overall winemaking process is more delicate. Therefore, he has only released one vintage, soon to be two!
Why bring it along for the holidays? Our Late Harvest Semillon pairs wonderfully with dessert! A small sip with every bite of that tart or pie is just what you need to end your holiday feasting. It’s also great to sip on with any cheese plate. Trust me, you’ll love it!
Our 2013 vintage is still available on our website or in the tasting rooms.
Everyone at Team Fidelitas hopes you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends!
Nov 22, 2017 at 10:43 AM
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The Return of Ciel du Cheval
It’s the best time of year here at Fidelitas because our Ciel du Cheval wines find their way back into the lineup! Who doesn’t love big bold reds from 42-year-old vines? In just a couple of weeks we will be releasing some of my favorites just in time for the holidays. These wines will be available to the Wine Club starting Friday, November 3rd. Not in the Club? Join online today, or email us to get in on these limited release wines before they are gone!
2014 Ciel du Cheval Cabernet Sauvignon - 94 points, The Wine Advocate
This Cabernet offers aromas of fig, blackberry, and quince, dried tobacco, and a touch of cedar. The perfect Cabernet from Red Mountain!
(in both FLT and Optu allocations)
2014 Ciel du Cheval Cabernet Franc - SOLD OUT
One of our most limited wines of the year. The Cabernet Franc is a deep ruby tone, nearly opaque, showing aromas of blueberry, tart cherry, green bell peppers, and a touch of caramel.
(in FLT allocation)
*Email us to put you on the wait-list
2014 Ciel du Cheval Red Wine - SOLD OUT
Last year, this was our Merlot-based blend but we decided to switch it up! This year it's Cabernet-based with aromas of cherry and strawberry with tobacco and black pepper.
(in Optu allocation)
*Email us to put you on the wait-list
2014 Ciel du Cheval Merlot
My favorite Merlot of the year that is perfect for any holiday dish or dinner party. It is showcasing aromas of plums, raspberry, brown sugar, and baking spices.
(available for add-on purchases)
2014 Ciel du Cheval Petit Verdot
For those who love unique, intense wines! This wine provides black fruit aromas with tones of red currant, figs, and dried herbs.
(available for add-on purchases)
Oct 19, 2017 at 1:30 PM
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Fidelitas Estate Dinner 2017
The smoke cleared and the sun came out this past weekend just in time for our 3rd annual Estate Dinner hosted on our famous pad right in the middle of our vineyards. What a beautiful and delicious evening! Castle Catering didn’t disappoint and made sure that each dish complimented our wine.
Below is the menu from that evening.
Passed Appetizers
Elk Strip Loin & Blue Cheese Duxell Canape
Duck Confit & Savory Goat Cheese Grilled Pizza Wedges
2015 Klipsun Vineyard Optu White - September Product Spotlight!
2014 The Canyons Vineyard Red Wine - 10 Cases Remain!
First Course
Fresh Spinach and lentil salad with creamy beet dressing topped with a Parmesan crisp
Freshly Baked Castle Breads with Butter of the Month
2014 Ciel du Cheval Merlot – Releases in November!
Second Course
Certified Angus Beef Tenderloin Medallion presented atop
Heirloom Tomato with Creamy Fresh Barratta Cheese finished with Basil Oil and Fresh Basil Confetti
2014 Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon - New Release!
2014 Quintessence Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon - New Release!
Third Course
Certified Angus Beef Prime Spinalis rolled and stuffed with Fresh Herbs & Mushrooms
Served atop Heirloom Carrot Puree with Sweet Corn Elote
2013 Fidelitas Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
2014 Fidelitas Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon – New Release!
Fourth Course
Fresh Graham Cracker dipped in Dark Chocolate & topped with Blue Cheese Marshmallow toasted on site
2013 Klipsun Vineyard Late Harvest Semillon
It was certainly a memorable night with the most amazing sunset. Be sure to RSVP next year for this limited availability dinner in the vineyard!
Sep 14, 2017 at 12:28 PM
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