Wednesday, May. 20, 2009

Woehler on Wine: Hedges and Fidelitas

By Bob Woehler, Wine Press Northwest tasting editor

BENTON CITY — Hedges and Fidelitas wineries on Red Mountain probably are better known for their higher-end wines, but they also have some really good lower-cost offerings.

They are within shouting distance of each other on Sunset Road and have dedicated winemakers who make delicious blends.

Hedges winemaker Pete Hedges has perfected the art of blending several grapes into tasty red and white wines.

Both are labeled CMS for the grapes they contain. The red is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, while the white is a blend of Chardonnay, Marsanne and Sauvignon Blanc.

They have consistently won praise and often have been rated "Outstanding!" by Wine Press Northwest.

Hedges 2007 CMS white, Columbia Valley, $10-$12 -- Fresh and lively with citrus overtones, spicy aromas and a rich mouth feel. Perfect with Alaska king crab.

Hedges 2007 CMS red, Columbia Valley, $10-$12 -- Approachable and easy drinking with nice berries and essences of oak and a smooth finish. Try it with grilled franks.

-- On the net: www.hedgesfamilyestate.com

Over at Charlie Hoppes' Fidelitas are a couple of wines at the upper limit of my bargain recommendations but they still are just $20 each.

Probably the best place to get these two is at the winery itself.

2006 Jaguar Red Wine Columbia Valley, $20 -- Hoppes is a big supporter of Tri-Cities Prep High School — son, Will, is the Jaguars all-state quarterback — and part of the proceeds from this delicious wine go to the school. It's a well-made Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc that deftly combines vanilla oak aromas with tasty berry flavors. Look up a recipe for fiesta beef-cheese casserole for a great wine and food match.

Fidelitas 2007 Semillon, Columbia Valley, $20 -- Crisp and food friendly with pear, citrus and some fig characteristics. A lemon garlic poached tilapia filet is a great match.

-- On the net: www.fidelitaswine.com

*Bob Woehler has been writing about Pacific Northwest wines since 1978. E-mail him at bwoehler@charter.net or check out his past columns at www.winepressnw.com.