Heart of the Hill Cabernet Sauvignon
⏳ Drinking Window
Typically best enjoyed 5 to 15 years from the vintage release.
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Grilled ribeye steak, roasted lamb chops, braised beef short ribs
✨ Technical Specifications
Sourced from the esteemed Heart of the Hill Vineyard, planted in 2006 by the pioneering Williams family of Kiona, this single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon represents the pinnacle of Red Mountain terroir. Situated in the absolute center of the AVA, the vineyard benefits from a steep, southwest-facing slope that captures maximum sunlight, balanced by the cooling winds of the Yakima Valley. Winemaker Charlie Hoppes coaxes incredible concentration and structural intensity from these low-yielding vines. The soils here are rich in calcium carbonate, imparting a distinct mineral undertone to the dark fruit profile. Aged primarily in French oak, this wine showcases the classic Red Mountain signature of powerful, fine-grained tannins, vibrant acidity, and deep complexity, making it a benchmark expression of Washington State Cabernet.
🍾 About the Producer
Fidélitas was founded in 2000 by veteran Washington winemaker Charlie Hoppes, formerly the head red winemaker at Chateau Ste. Michelle. Joined by his son Will Hoppes, the winery embodies an unyielding dedication to Bordeaux grape varieties cultivated exclusively within Washington State's prestigious Red Mountain AVA. Situated on warm, southwest-facing slopes, the region's intense sunlight, fierce winds, poor gravelly loam soils, and profound diurnal temperature fluctuations foster thick-skinned berries with formidable concentration and natural acidity. The estate vineyard, first planted in 2008 and farmed sustainably with Sustainable WA certification, is complemented by premier fruit partnerships with iconic sites such as Ciel du Cheval and Quintessence. Winemaking employs micro-lot fermentations in oak and neutral barrels, yielding structured, deeply expressive wines. The estate's benchmark portfolio is anchored by the flagship Optu Red and Optu White blends, vineyard-designated Cabernet Sauvignons, and varietal Malbecs.
🍇 Grapes
Cabernet Sauvignon