My favorite of the 2011s, the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Ciel du Cheval Vineyard looks to be a beauty! Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, all from the top tier Ciel du Cheval Vineyard and aged in mostly new French oak (some American oak as well), it delivers knockout aromas and flavors of black cherries, licorice, assorted floral nuances and toast to go with a medium to full-bodied, elegant and textured mouthfeel. The most complete of the lineup, with integrated acidity and beautiful polish to its tannin, it has the purity and finesse to drink well young, yet will evolve for 10-12 years. Drink now-2025.These classic Washington State reds are made by long time winemaker Charlie Hoppes from his winemaking facility in Richland, Washington. Focusing more and more on Red Mountain fruit, they’ve recently planted an estate vineyard on Red Mountain with the goal to be 100% Red Mountain in the near future. Both 2010 and 2011 are solid across the board, with perhaps a touch more concentration in the 2010s; nevertheless, the 2011s don’t lack for substance or tannin. Due to the freeze in 2010, this estate wasn’t able to get much fruit from Champoux Vineyard in 2011, hence no Cabernet Sauvignon or Block 1 from that vineyard. With regards to vinification, Charlie prefers pump overs as opposed to punch downs and is also experimenting with roto-fermentation. He also believes pressing and finishing fermentation in barrel yields a better integration of flavor.www.Fidelitaswines.com