Starting off the 100% Cabernet Sauvignon bottlings, the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain comes primarily from Corliss’s Red Mountain Vineyard, with a smaller portion from Hightower. Seeing 50% new French and American oak, it has a kirsch, cedar and spice box core with notions of chocolate, dried licorice and graphite emerging with time in the glass. A medium to full-bodied, rich, chewy and beautifully textured effort, it should benefit from short-term cellaring and have upwards of 8-10 years of longevity. Drink 2014-2023. 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

This is 100% varietal, with a mix of vineyard sources including Champoux, Weinbau, Conner Lee and Dineen. It’s a carefully crafted blend of different AVAs; a bright and clean example of Washington state Cabernet. Firm, compact, with blue and purple fruits, just a hint of barrel age and polished tannins. ——P.G.(5/1/2011)—— 89

A solid example of a blended, Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2005 from Fidelitas spent 22 months in 50% new French and American oak. The dark, toasty flavors are right up front, along with balanced acids, firm tannins and pretty cherry fruit. This is not a complex wine, but well-rendered and enjoyable right now. ——P.G.(12/1/2008)—— 87