Quintessence Red
⏳ Drinking Window
Typically best enjoyed 5–15 years from vintage release.
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Grilled ribeye steak, roasted lamb chops, braised beef short ribs
✨ Technical Specifications
Sourced from the sun-drenched, south-facing slopes of the famed Quintessence Vineyard on Red Mountain, the Fidelitas Quintessence Red is a masterful expression of one of Washington State's most prestigious terroirs. Established on fractured basalt and gravelly soils, this vineyard experiences intense daytime heat followed by cool desert nights, a diurnal shift that coaxes out concentrated dark fruit flavors while preserving vital acidity. Winemaker Charlie Hoppes utilizes this fruit to craft a bold, structured red blend that pays homage to the power and elegance of Red Mountain. The wine undergoes meticulous fermentation and is aged in custom-selected French oak barrels, resulting in a seamless integration of robust tannins, rich cocoa notes, and deep blackberry layers that represent the pinnacle of modern Washington winemaking.
🍾 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.