DeLille Cellars

The sun-soaked Columbia Valley of Washington State provides ideal growing conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon, with dramatic swings in temperature from day to night. This natural phenomenon, known as diurnal shift, offers cool nights that conserve acidity, and intense sunny days that infuse bold, ripe fruit flavors. It is from this foundation of distinctive fruit that we meticulously craft our Métier, acknowledging the very best of the hands that diligently work the vineyards and the cellar.

The 2021 Chaleur Blanc showcases Sauvignon Blanc in its v INT AGE youth, presenting a beautiful pale yellow color with hints of green and aromas of golden hay, grapefruit, and a whisper of tropical fruit. Six months of aging in French oak contributes alluring aromas of forest floor, chocolate mint and savory baked brioche. Fresh white peach fruit flavors combine with thyme on the palate, with a wonderful round presence from the cooperage. Although moderate for acidity versus recent vintages, there is plenty of energy to this wine, promising enjoyment for at least a decade. 

The 2019 D2 aromas dance effortlessly between savory and dried fruit characteristics. Cranberries, roasted coffee beans, cassis and burnt orange are highlighted by deep, rich barrel tones of nutmeg, vanilla bean, dark chocolate and clove. As the wine develops in the glass, the fruit profile shifts between red and dark fruits, a trademark of D2 that we love. ​An inviting freshness and pronounced herbal quality on the palate leads to a structure that is refined despite the wine's youth. Be confident that this blend of 13 iconic vineyards throughout the Columbia Valley will cellar for 15+ years.  

The 2020 Doyenne, on release, is very reticent to show itself on the nose. As the wine opens up, toasted oak aromas bracket black cherry and blueberry, adding mocha to the mix. Although coaxing aromas out of the glass takes some commitment, the wine erupts on the palate, with layers of Cabernet Sauvignon fruit and structure offering reinforcement to lush Syrah. In the short-term, give this a bit of time to open up in the bottle or give it a decant before enjoying.

A brooding, tightly wound wine in its youth, 2020 Signature Syrah displays charcuterie and dark plum aromas on the nose, with a whiff of vanilla flower. Incredibly generous on the palate, with persistent fruit front to back, the wine has just enough restraint from herbal nuances to balance. Vibrant acidity, fennel seed, fresh thyme and dried lavender add lift and complexity. A touch of cocoa and tannin that builds with subsequent tastes show cellaring this gem will offer improvement.

The 1982 Cabernet Sauvignon vines from Ciel du Cheval are once again the soul of this wine and responsible for its incredible richness.  Marionberry, green peppercorn, fresh truffle and pomegranate seed are muddled with baking spices and warm oak undertones.  Dubrul Vineyard Merlot (23%) provides fresh blueberry and Maraschino cherry notes while rounding out the mid-palate to create a seamless transition to a dense, pondering finish.  With plenty of time to open up, there is everything to love about this effort.  Cellaring 12+ years will help tame the tannins and bring along even more complexity. – N.B.

The inconspicuous five acres that is Harrison Hill Vineyard shows its brilliance once again. The wine, after just six months in the bottle, has so much to express in its early life and is our best example of a terroir-driven cuvée. Cigar box, cranberry, black currant and fresh truffle explode effortlessly from the glass. The great restraint, herbal nuance and pronounced silky structure leads to comparisons of the old-world and thoughts of the 60-year-old vines that provide so much elegance. This charmer can be cellared patiently for 20 years easily.

There are wonderful notes upfront of cassis, black currant and kirsch liqueur. The oak aromas gently offer hints of cinnamon stick, clove, caramel and vanilla bean. The depth and subtle nuances of this wine are best experienced after a lengthy decant, as truffle, graphite and tobacco leaf are discovered. At this early stage, the tannins are already quite resolved, approachable, and guide the alluring finish. This wine will surely age as long as you are able to cellar it.