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
Established in 2000 by veteran Washington winemaker Charlie Hoppes, Fidelitas is an artisanal winery dedicated to showcasing the distinct terroir of the Red Mountain AVA in Washington State. True to the Latin meaning of its name—faithfulness—the estate adheres to a philosophy of unwavering fidelity to grape varietal and vineyard character. Sourcing fruit from premier sites such as Quintessence, Ciel du Cheval, and the Fidelitas Estate Vineyard, the winery utilizes precise small-lot fermentation and focused oak aging. Fidelitas is celebrated for its powerful, structured, and age-worthy Bordeaux-style reds, most notably its acclaimed single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons, Malbec, and signature Optu Red blend.