World Wine 2002 Fidelitas Optu Red

Columbia Valley, Washington Fidelitas Optu Red is a red wine lover s dream. Fidelitas winemaker/owner Charlie Hoppes blended this Meritage true to the style of Bordeaux to showcase the unique Columbia Valley terroir. He was named Winemaker of the Year by Seattle Homes & Lifestyles magazine in December 2003. "Optu" is Latin for "best, noble, ideal, highest..." The highest form of of the winemaker s art is blending. Fidelitas Optu Red is a red blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, and 9% Malbec. This wine is simply gorgeous! No ratings out yet on this new vintage, but Wine Spectator rated the 2001 vintage 91 points. Our Consensus Panel rating was a 92 on the new 2002. Only 660 cases produced. Fidelitas Optu Red is deep ruby red with a beautiful nose of raspberries, cherries, plums, cassis, herbs and spices. Dry and full-bodied, it has fine tannins and moderate acidity, offering flavors of black raspberry, blackberry, cherry, plum, and spicy oak. The wine was barrel aged 20 months in new Fre